Modelling the effects of changing climate and nitrogen deposition on nitrate dynamics in a Scottish mountain catchment

Futter, M.N.; Helliwell, R.C.; Hutchins, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3764-5331; Aherne, J.. 2009 Modelling the effects of changing climate and nitrogen deposition on nitrate dynamics in a Scottish mountain catchment. Hydrology Research, 40 (2-3). 153-166. 10.2166/nh.2009.073

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Official URL: http://www.iwaponline.com/nh/040/nh0400153.htm

Abstract/Summary

The effect of changing climate and N deposition on montane ecosystems is a topic of considerable importance. Mountains are vulnerable environments and their ecosystems are often in a delicate balance. An application of the INCA-N model is presented to simulate current-day nitrate dynamics in a Scottish mountain lake and to project the possible future effects of climate change and reductions in N deposition on lake nitrate concentration ([NO3-]). The INCA-N model is calibrated using data from 1996–2006 in an attempt to determine the controls on [NO3-] in Lochnagar and process sensitivities to changing climate. Predictions were sensitive to hydrologic, vegetation-related and in-soil processes. Over the longer term, surface water [NO3-] in this mountain ecosystem is expected to increase. From 2020 to 2100, when N deposition is modelled at a constant rate, warmer temperature exerts a stronger effect on N losses to the lake surface than the N deposition. While the effects of a warming climate are projected to lead to increased surface water [NO3-], concentrations are not projected to either return to, or exceed, historical levels.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.2166/nh.2009.073
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Boorman (to September 2014)
ISSN:	0029-1277
Additional Keywords:	climate change; Lochnagar; modeling; mountain lakes; nitrate; water quality
NORA Subject Terms:	Meteorology and Climatology Ecology and Environment Hydrology Atmospheric Sciences
Related URLs:	Author's Homepage
Date made live:	11 Jun 2009 13:38 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/6751

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.2166/nh.2009.073

Programmes:

CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Biogeochemistry
CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Boorman (to September 2014)

ISSN:

0029-1277

Additional Keywords:

climate change; Lochnagar; modeling; mountain lakes; nitrate; water quality