Nitrogen saturation in the Rocky Mountains: Linking emissions, deposition, and ecosystem effects using stable isotopes of nitrogen compounds.

摘要

Elevated levels of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition are affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at high elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park and adjacent areas of the Front Range of Colorado. High rates of mineralization and nitrification in soils may cause increased rates of nitrogen leaching, a condition known as watershed nitrogen saturation. In the Loch Vale watershed, 40-80% of the inorganic nitrogen from atmospheric deposition is exported in surface waters.