Spatial variation of early season surface water chemistry in Kärkevagge, Swedish Lapland |
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| Authors: | SW Campbell JC Dixon RG Darmody & CE Thorn |
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| Institution: | Environmental Dynamics Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA,;Department of Geosciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA,;Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, USA,;Department of Geography, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, USA |
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| Abstract: | This study examines the spatial variability of early season water chemistry in the arctic-alpine valley of Kärkevagge, Sweden. The data demonstrate the spatially heterogeneous nature of water chemistry and the general patterns of chemical weathering in the valley. Water chemistry in this valley is dominated by two anions, bicarbonate and sulfate. Bicarbonate is derived from the dissolution of atmospheric CO2 and the weathering of carbonate units in the local metamorphic rocks, while the sulfate is derived from the oxidation of pyrite in the Seve-Koli tectonic nappe. Spatial patterns of chemical constituents reflect the broad effects of local geology on surface water chemistry. In particular, they demonstrate the effects that mineral species present in minor amounts have on basin-wide water chemistry. However, solute flux rates derived from water chemistry and discharge demonstrate less variability. |
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| Keywords: | periglacial chemical weathering arctic |
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