Author
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Sharratt, Brenton |
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Submitted to: American Geophysical Union
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Land management, soil properties, and weather govern the quality of surface and ground water resources of the Midwestern United States. Water resources within this region may be affected by seasonal freezing and thawing, a phenomena which can alter soil properties and processes. Lysimeters were used to assess movement of tracers (Br- and Cl-) within a Sioux loam and Hamerly clay loam profile during the winters of 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 at Morris, Minnesota. Fall antecedent soil water potential varied from -0.01 to -1.5 MPa. Overwinter movement of water and tracers were affected by soil type and water potential, the greatest movement occurring in Sioux loam at -0.01 MPa. Little redistribution occurred in both soil types at -1.5 MPa. No upward movement of tracers occurred during freeze-up in the fall. Downward movement was most apparent in the spring at the time of spring thaw. Leaching of solutes from soil profiles in the Midwest, which affects the quality of water resources, is dependent on overwinter changes in soil properties and processes. |
