Nutrient and carbon flux on the Llewellyn Glacier, Juneau Icefield

Globally, alpine glacial snowmelt accounts for a large portion of freshwater that feeds into rivers and influences downstream ecosystems, such as Atlin Lake (British Columbia, CA). Atlin Lake receives freshwater from the Llewellyn Glacier to provide water to surrounding communities. The temperate Llewellyn on the Juneau Icefield (British Columbia, CA) transports Ca2+, Mg2+, NO32-, SO42-, and PO4- from the weathering of surrounding bedrock into Llewellyn meltwater. Ions and nutrients transported downstream into Atlin Lake can affect fauna that are sensitive to changes in glacial runoff. We will collect meltwater diurnally from the surface of the Llewellyn Glacier and meltwater caves during a one week period around Camp 26 to determine sample alkalinity and ion concentrations. Alkalinity will be analyzed using a Hach Alkalinity Kit. Ions will be analyzed using an ion chromatograph at Wright State University (Dayton, OH). We anticipate that ion concentrations will be higher during midday sampling. We also expect that ion concentrations will be higher towards the ablation zone which will have the most impact on downstream water chemistry.

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Annie Chien, Sarah Fortner, Madelline Gallop, Lindsay Starr, Eric Zhu