GOLDEN, Colo., June 27, 2013 – Colorado School of Mines research on the impact of the mountain pine beetle infestation on water quality has been published in the journal Biogeochemistry.
“Bark beetle infestation impacts on nutrient cycling, water quality and interdependent hydrological effects,” was published in the June 2013 edition of the international journal. The authors include Mines PhD students Kristin Mikkelson and Lindsay Bearup, professors Reed Maxwell, John McCray and Jonathan Sharp, and Colorado State University professor John Stednick.
“Bark beetle populations have drastically increased in magnitude over the last several decades leading to the largest-scale tree mortality ever recorded from an insect infestation on multiple wooded continents,” the article abstract reads.
“When the trees die, the loss of canopy and changes in water and nutrient uptake lead to observable changes in hydrology and biogeochemical cycling. This review aims to synthesize the current research on the effects of the bark beetle epidemic on nutrient cycling and water quality while integrating recent and relevant hydrological findings, along with suggesting necessary future research avenues.”
Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu