NMHU Valles Caldera and Jemez Springs Las Conchas Macroinvertebrates, 2011 - 2012

The Valles Caldera, located in Northern New Mexico is
being affected by climate change. The most pronounced effects on the region are the
increasing temperatures and decreasing snowpack. Climate change is expected to
increase wildfire severity. Following large wildfires, the potential for soil
erosion during precipitation events is also increased, therefore potentially
degrading the aquatic system. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact
of the Las Conchas wildfire had on diversity and populations of aquatic macro
invertebrates. Samples were collected from various parts of the steam pre and post
fire. The macro invertebrates will be sorted, counted, and identified to family.
This is preformed to determine the effects of large wildfire on the aquatic macro
invertebrate ecosystem. Future research will be conducted to determine the length of
time needed for aquatic macro invertebrates to increase in numbers.