Continuous precipitation and stream chemistry data, Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study, 1963 – present.

The Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study officially began on 1 June 1963. 
This archive contains HBWatER, the results of >50 years of
collection and analysis of weekly stream water and precipitation
samples obtained from 1 June 1963 to the most recently approved water
year. Stream chemistry is reported for nine gauged watersheds and the
mainstem of Hubbard Brook. Precipitation chemistry is reported for
rain collectors on both the north facing and south facing slopes of
the Hubbard Brook valley. All solute data are reported as
concentrations in (mg/l). HBWatER originated with the idea of applying
the small watershed approach to study element flux and cycling through
intact ecosystems. These chemical data have been used in conjunction
with continuous streamflow and precipitation records to estimate
watershed biogeochemical inputs and outputs. Such records have been
instrumental in: identifying the existence and the impact of acid rain
and then documenting its decline and legacy impacts on forested
watersheds; documenting the effects of deforestation and natural
forest disturbance on ecosystem nutrient exports; and in constructing
element budgets for ecosystems over succession. Hundreds of published
papers have taken advantage of HBWatER to understand how elements
cycle through ecosystems. These data were gathered as part of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study
(HBES). The HBES is a collaborative effort at the Hubbard Brook
Experimental Forest, which is operated and maintained by the USDA
Forest Service, Northern Research Station.