NMHU Valles Caldera Water Quality 2010-2012

High elevation areas, such as the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP)
located in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico, have been described as
exceptionally vulnerable to changes in climate and thus offer an ideal window to
monitor temperature changes and their possible implications. In the present study,
we examined the effects diurnal and seasonal temperature changes and discharge have
on water quality. Two water sampling regimes (diurnal and grab samples) were
employed over a one-year time frame (May 2010-May 2011) at four sites along two
potentially vulnerable headwater streams located within the VCNP. Concentrations of
primary nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate) and other solutes (bromide,
chloride, fluoride, and sulfate), along with discharge and physicochemical
parameters (conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity) served as indices of
water quality. The results of this study indicated that primary nutrients and other
solutes were largely sensitive to seasonal temperature changes, but that their
sensitivity was modulated by the unique characteristics of sample sites. It was
concluded that the examination of the effects of seasonal water temperature
fluctuations on primary nutrient and other solute concentrations can offer a deeper
understanding of challenges headwater streams may face as result of anticipated
climate changes.