Title:
The Effect of Storms on Stream Water Quality in a Karst Landscape
The Effect of Storms on Stream Water Quality in a Karst Landscape
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Author(s)
Blood, Elizabeth R.
Phillips, J. Scott
Phillips, J. Scott
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
A need exists to develop relationships between hydrologic characteristics and
water quality for Coastal Plains streams and the
fundamental hydrographic/water chemistry responses to
storms in karst regions. Nine storms and resultant
runoff were sampled in Ichawaynochaway Creek in
southwest Georgia to quantify these relationships.
Stream hydrologic response varied with seasonal
antecedent conditions, precipitation amount, and
duration. Both the intensity of a storm and the quantity
of water generated resulted in variable non-point source
runoff and/or dilution of baseflow conditions.
Increases in dissolved concentrations were typically
seen for ammonium, orthophosphate, sulfate,
potassium, and dissolved organic carbon. Alterations
were generally consistent with floodplain inundation
rather than erosive surface runoff from agricultural
land. Changes in chemistry were affected by the base
flow water quantity and quality, timing of source
waters, and biological activity. Decreases in
concentration were typically seen for alkalinity, pH,
conductivity, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date Issued
2001-03
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings