Study of phosphorus loading and the surface and subsurface hydrology of calcareous Clear Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Abstract
Clear Lake is a medium-sized deep lake with high calcium concentrations and moderate levels of dissolved phosphorus located in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, Canada. Development and agricultural activity in parts of the watershed outside of the park, as well as increased seasonal tourism demands and development within the park, have led to concerns about nutrient loading and the water quality of the lake. This study of the hydrology of Clear Lake found that the surface and subsurface flowpaths not only determined the delivery of nutrients but also the delivery of calcium, which co-precipitates with phosphorus in the lake to effectively fix phosphorus in the lake sediments. Spatial variability in hydrologic pathways to the lake as well as seasonal and interannual variability in discharge and nutrient concentrations were also explored in this study. It was found that the nutrient cycling processes that maintained high levels of water quality in Clear Lake were determined by the relatively important role of shallow subsurface groundwater in the lake’s water budget.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFM.H53D0978N
- Keywords:
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- 0470 BIOGEOSCIENCES / Nutrients and nutrient cycling;
- 1813 HYDROLOGY / Eco-hydrology;
- 1830 HYDROLOGY / Groundwater/surface water interaction;
- 1871 HYDROLOGY / Surface water quality