Factors affecting snowmelt streamwater chemistry in the black forest (West Germany)

Abstract

Site conditions such as parent material, soils, but also vegetation cover and elevation explain the varying snowmelt streamwater chemistry in the Black Forest. The results are derived from multiple statistical analysis of a regional survey of 104 small mountain streams in the first phase of snowmelt in spring 1984. Cluster analysis classifies the snowmelt streams into three groups which are clearly linked to bedrock geology. Factor analysis finds podsolization, weathering and mineralization processes in the soils of the catchments to have most impact even under snowmelt conditions. There is no evidence that acidic atmospheric deposition directly affects the acidity of the investigated streams. However, the deposition rates are low compared to certain other regions in Central Europe. In areas with podsolic soils the organic soil layer plays a key role in the acidity and mobilization of Al and heavy metals. This is shown in the high correlations between pH, DOC, UV-extinction, color and metal concentrations. Because the concentrations of DOC are low (<10 mg.L⁻¹) and an anion deficit cannot be found, it is assumed that water acidity is not caused by dissolved humic acids, but by cations exchanged in the organic layer of acidic soils. Streamwater chemistry in areas with brown earth soil types is mainly affected by leaching of basic cations in the mineral soil horizons and mineral weathering.