On 4th June a forest fire was reported in Svartedalen nature reserve. The fire was brought under control, but at its peak was several hundred metres wide. This nature reserve is approximately 2km south of the Gårdsjön catchment where several DAEMONS sampling sites are located. It seems likely that these sampling sites will be unaffected, but we plan to visit the area for a closer look during the July sampling round.
The Svartedalen nature reserve lies across a watershed; some of its streams drain east into the Göta älv, but some also drain west into the Rördalsån, one of the three main subcatchments that DAEMONS is studying. The affected area appears to be near the lake of Måkevatten, which drains into the Rördalsån. It is therefore feasible that two DAEMONS sampling sites will be affected: the outflows of the Rördalsån and the Anråse, with possible fire-induced changes in the concentrations of C, N and P. Likely responses into the aquatic system will be a large spike in nitrate concentration, and a lesser spike in phosphorus concentration, coupled with increased sediment release and a possible pulse of sulphate and acidity. Considering the legacy of acid deposition in the area this could have negative effects on lake and stream ecosystems, including fish populations. These aquatic biogeochemical effects will likely began when the first significant precipitation occurs. Members of the DAEMONS team have an interest in wildfire and so we will be keeping a keen eye on the project data and the Svartedalen nature reserve over the next few months. |
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