| ALSC Research Projects (recent and
ongoing)
MERCURY
Mercury in Adirondack Wetlands, Lakes and Terrestrial Systems
The purpose of this project is to build on previous Adirondack work
to understand the behavior of mercury by applying a mass balance
computer model. The drainage lake watershed selected for this intensive
monitoring effort is Sunday Lake southwest of Stillwater Reservoir.
Data collection includes detailed soils and geology mapping as well
as wetland and tributary stream investigations. Detailed water chemistry
and fish mercury concentrations are also being collected. These
data will be used to develop and apply an integrated model that
accounts for terrestrial wetland and in-lake processes that influence
mercury cycling and accumulation in fish tissue.
Tetra Tech, Inc. Jan 1999 - June 2001.
Project cooperators: NYSERDA, Cornell
University, Syracuse University, Smith College, and the ALSC.
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Upstate New York Trace Metals Project
The purpose of this project was to determine the background levels
of trace elements in wet deposition and to measure annual changes
of these elements in upstate New York. Atmospheric mercury and other
trace metals in atmospheric particulates were measured so that the
current impact of wet deposition could be tracked for future trends.
Adirondack sites included Moss Lake in the Oswegatchie-Black watershed
and Willsboro just east of the High Peaks.
MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. 1991-1993
Project Cooperators: NYSDEC, ESEERCO, MIT and ALSC |
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BIG MOOSE STUDY
Effects of Atmospheric Deposition of Sulfur, Nitrogen and
Mercury on Adirondack Ecosystems
This project will evaluate the current spatial patterns and mechanisms
of surface water acidification, biotic impacts and the potential
rate of recovery to the Adirondack region. The results will be used
in national assessments of the effects of acidic and mercury deposition
on forest and aquatic resources in the Adirondacks. The tasks include:
analysing nitrogen data from ALTM samples; determining the role
of N-fixing wetlands; conducting time-series analysis on precipitation
and lake chemistry; applying chemical models; tracking mercury in
the ecosystem; as well as assessing fisheries changes in the region.
SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry
Project cooperators: NYSERDA, Syracuse
University and the ALSC.
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Evaluation of Fisheries in the North Branch of
the Moose River ( part of Effects of Atmospheric Deposition
of Sulfur, Nitrogen and Mercury on Adirondack Ecosystems)
Fisheries in the North Branch of the Moose River will be resurveyed
using the same techniques used by Schofield and Driscoll in the early-1980's.
The purpose will be to determine if the distribution range and diversity
of fish species has increased over the last 15 years in response to
decreases in acidic deposition. Time-series analysis of water chemistry
data for lakes during the Adirondack Long-Term Monitoring Project
in this watershed will be used to interpret the response of fish species.
Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation Jan 2000 - June 2001
Cooperators: Syracuse University. |
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LONG-TERM MONITORING
A Long-Term Monitoring Program For Evaluating Changes in
Water Quality in Selected Adirondack Waters
This project involves the collection and chemical analysis of water
samples from 52 lakes monthly and three low-order streams weekly.
Ten lakes are selected annually for weekly sampling during the spring
snowmelt period to assess episodic acidification. Quantitative data
that characterizes the physical and land use attributes of each
lake catchment are collected to evaluate lake acidification and/or
recovery. Primary goals included providing detailed spatial and
temporal data necessary to determine long-term trends, evaluating
the role of nitrate in episodic acidification and potential impacts
on fish communities.
Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation. 1992 - Ongoing.
Cooperators: Syracuse University
with support from NYSDEC, NYSERDA, and US EPA Office of Research and
Development.
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Episodic Response Project
The ERP was designed to evaluate the occurrence and biological consequences
of episodic acidification in streams of the northeastern United States.
The two year study involved intensive hydrologic and chemical monitoring
of 13 small streams draining forested watersheds in the Adirondack
Mountains and the Catskill Mountains of New York, and the Northern
Appalachian Plateau of Pennsylvania. Adirondack study streams included
Bald Mountain Brook, Buck Creek, Fly Pond Outlet and Seventh Lake
Inlet all located close to Eagle Bay, NY. Biological studies include
bioassays with brook trout and several forage fish species, radio-telemetry
studies of free-ranging fish, and fish population surveys were done.
Fall 1988 - Spring 1990.
Cooperators: US EPA, Pennsyslvania State University, U.S. Geological
Survey and the ALSC |
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WATERSHED MAPPING
GIS Mapping Projects
A joint mapping effort with the Adirondack Park Agency began in 1993
to link ALSC lake data with digital watershed information. Landscape
features were mapped from aerial photos, satellite images and other
sources to develop watershed coverages for wetlands, forest types,
soils, geology, forest fire and blowdown history, as well as atmospheric
deposition estimates. The Oswegatchie/Black River watershed was the
first to be completed. The Upper Hudson/Sacandaga watershed are near
completion. Significant progress has been made in portions of the
St. Lawrence watershed. Plans to map the remainder of the Adirondack
Park are underway. NYS Adirondack Park Agency. June 1993 - Ongoing
Cooperators: SUNY Plattsburgh and the ALSC. |
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STATE OF SCIENCE
State of Science Report: Chemical Status of Adirondack Long-Term
Monitoring Lakes
The purpose of this project is to analyze all the data collected
to date on the 52 LTM lakes and to disseminate information to the
public and decision makers. Products will include a report of the
LTM project with interpretation by lake class sensitivity. The results
will be submitted to a scientific journal for peer review and publication.
This ALSC web site is a product of that project. It was developed
to provide data summaries, interpretation as well as watershed information.
A brochure with accompanying maps will be produced describing the
program and results.
Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation July 1998 - Dec 2000.
Cooperators: Syracuse University and NYSERDA.
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