Acidic Deposition along the Appalachian Trail Corridor and Its Effects on Acid-Sensitive Terrestrial and Aquatic Resources: Results of the Appalachian Trail MEGA-Transect Atmospheric Deposition Effects Study.

摘要

This report examines resource sensitivity and effects of deposition along the AT by considering an area 40 km wide (20 km on either side of the AT) that covers the full length of the AT, hereinafter referred to as the “AT corridor.” There have been no previous efforts to provide a comprehensive assessment of the acid-base status of AT soils, streams, and vegetation. The investigation described herein provides an extensive database for the AT corridor that fills geographic gaps identified in earlier studies and assesses spatial patterns in acidic deposition, stream water quality, soils conditions, and plant composition and metabolism. The overall goal of this study was to evaluate the condition and sensitivity of the environment along the AT corridor with respect to acidic deposition. This was accomplished by investigating current impacts and predicting ecosystem recovery under scenarios of reduced acidic deposition in the future.