Biogeochemistry of Permafrosted/NonPermafrosted Watersheds in CPCRW: Summer 1995

Chemical measurements of groundwater, soil water and stream water were made in watersheds C2 and C3 in CPCRW (DOC, DON, NO3-N, NH4-N, Al, Mg, Ca, Mn, Si, K, Na, SO4 and conductivity). One watershed C3 had extensive permafrost and the other C2 had limited permafrost. Stream discharge data was collected from permanently installed flumes. Soil water retained within the rooting zone (0.3 - 0.5 m) was high in DOC, DON and DIN but low in dissolved minerals (dominantly Ca, Mg and Na) and conductivity. The reverse was true for groundwater from springs and wells. Permafrost in C3 prevented deep percolation of water and generated stormflows rich in DOC. Stormflow accounted for 24% of total streamflow in C3 but only 3% of total streamflow in C2. The presence of permafrost appears to result in higher fluxes of DOC, DON and DIN into stream water from upland soils.