US Long-Term Ecological Research Network

Ground water levels for 964 monitoring wells in Wisconsin, 1929 - 2015

Abstract
This dataset contains the daily groundwater level observations and other monitoring well attributes in Wisconsin. It covers 964 groundwater level monitoring wells and has 400,812 observations. The time span of this dataset is between February 2nd, 1929 and December 31st, 2015. The data sources include United States Geological Survey (USGS), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), University of Wisconsin Extension, counties in Central Sands area, and North Temperate Lakes - Long-Term Ecological Research (NTL-LTER).
The data compilation consists of three major steps. First, the data were retrieved from different data sources. Then the data from different sources were pooled together. No well was monitored by more than one entity so none of the wells’ records were merged. Third, two rounds of quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) were conducted.
Wells in confined aquifers were not included in this dataset. The values of the USGS and Central Sands data are the depth to the water whereas LTER values are mean sea level elevations of the groundwater levels. These data could not be directly compared with each other.
This data compilation was funded by the Wisconsin Groundwater Joint Solicitation.
Dataset ID
363
Date Range
-
LTER Keywords
Methods
For detailed methods of data gathering, cleaning and compiling see attached pdf file.
Version Number
2

WSC - Yield and water table depth shapefiles from Wibu field site

Abstract
Yield data from the Wibu field site combined with a variety of water table depth metrics (mean, percentiles, sum exceedance values, moving averages). It was collected as part of a study of the impacts of water table depth, soil texture, and growing season weather conditions on corn production at the Wibu field site, described in Zipper et al. (in review). The Wibu field site is a commercial agricultural field, which grew corn in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 growing seasons. See Zipper and Loheide (2014) Ag. For. Met. for more information about the field site.
Dataset ID
317
Date Range
-
Maintenance
completed
Metadata Provider
Methods
Yield data was collected at the time of harvest following the 2012 and 2013 growing season using a John Deere 9660 combine equipped with a Greenstar yield monitoring system. Yield data was cleaned by removing any polygons collected during pre-harvest check strips, turn-around at the end of rows, any polygons less than 6 m2, and any polygons where yield exceeded the record reported yield for Dane County WI (327 bu ac-1). Yield was normalized by calculating z-scores (the number of standard deviations away from the mean) within each field and each year. 2012 data was resampled to the 2013 polygon boundaries by taking the mean of all 2012 polygons with their centroid within each 2013 polygon. For each polygon, 2013 interpolated groundwater metrics were extracted using ArcMAP 10.2 software. A full description of this methodology is contained in Zipper et al. (in review).
Version Number
16

WSC - Water surface elevation (WSE) and water table depth (WTD) from 14 points at the Wibu field site, 2012-2013 growing seasons

Abstract
Observation wells were installed for the purpose of continuously monitoring the water table level during the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons at the Wibu field site. These data were then used to study the yield response of corn to water table depth, soil texture, and growing season weather conditions (Zipper et al., in prep). The Wibu field site is a commercial agricultural field, which grew corn in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 growing seasons. See Zipper and Loheide (2014) Ag. For. Met. for more information about the field site. The 2012 growing season was characterized by severe drought, and the water table fell below the bottom of most wells in late June/early July.
Core Areas
Dataset ID
313
Date Range
-
Maintenance
completed
Metadata Provider
Methods
Each well consisted of a casing and a pressure transducer. Casings were made of 1.5 diameter PVC pipe. Each casing consisted of a screened interval, approximately 0.61 m in length, and continuous casing from the top of the screened interval to the land surface. Wells were installed via hand augering to greater than 1.5 meters below the water table at the time of installation. Where augering was impeded by subsurface rocks and gravel, steel drive point wells were used. Pea gravel was used to backfill the hole to the top of the screened interval, after which soil removed during the well installation process was re-packed to approximately the same density as prior to installation. A 5 cm layer of bentonite was installed at the land surface to prevent preferential flow down the borehole. After installation, wells were pumped to reduce the risk of fine sediment clogging the well screen, and then Onset HOBO U20 water level loggers were installed in each well. Of the 14 total wells, 9 wells were installed during the 2012 growing season (WIBU-1,2,3,5,7,8,9,10,11) and an additional 5 wells installed during the 2013 growing season (WIBU-4,12,13,14,15). Wells within the field were installed following planting and uninstalled prior to harvest for each growing season; the individual installation and start/end dates are evident in the data. Locations of individual wells are available in the Point Locations dataset. Note that some wells move between years due to uninstallation prior to harvest.
Version Number
14

WSC - Gridded sample points at Wibu field site including yield, soil texture, water table depth, and estimated soil water retention parameters

Abstract
A variety of data from gridded sampling points at the Wibu field site. The gridded sampling scheme is described in the Point Locations dataset. This dataset includes 2012 &amp; 2013 absolute and normalized yield, soil textural characteristics (organic content, porosity, bulk density, particle size metrics, % sand/silt/clay), a variety of water table depth metrics (mean, percentiles, sum exceedance values, moving averages), and soil water retention parameters estimated using the Rosetta pedotransfer function. It was collected as part of a study of the impacts of water table depth, soil texture, and growing season weather conditions on corn production at the Wibu field site, described in Zipper et al. (<em>in review</em>). The Wibu field site is a commercial agricultural field, which grew corn in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 growing seasons. See Zipper &amp; Loheide (2014) <em>Ag. For. Met. </em>for more information about the field site.
Dataset ID
312
Data Sources
Date Range
-
Maintenance
completed
Metadata Provider
Methods
A gridded set of points distributed at appr. 30 m resolution over the Wibu field site were established during the 2014 growing season. At each of these points, a disturbed soil sample from a depth of 5 cm was collected and used to measure the soil organic content. At a randomly selected subset of these points, an additional undisturbed soil core was collected from a depth of 5-7.5 cm and used to measure porosity, bulk density, and organic content (measured by burning for 24 hrs at 440&deg;C). Undisturbed soil cores were then split into 3 subsamples and a Beckman-Coulter LS-230 laser particle size analyzer was used to measure a continuous particle size distribution. The subsample with the median d50 particle size was used to calculate a variety of soil texture metrics, described in the data table below. These soil texture parameters were used as input to the Rosetta pedotransfer function (Schaap et al., 2001) to estimate soil water retention properties. At each of these points, the 2013 interpolated groundwater metrics and the yield data described in the Yield dataset were extracted using ArcMAP 10.2 software. A full description of this methodology is contained in Zipper et al. (in review).
Version Number
18

Trout Lake USGS Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Budgets (WEBB) Stream Data 1975-current

Abstract
This data was collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for the Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Budget Project. The data set is primarily composed of water chemistry variables, and was collected from four USGS stream gauge stations in the Northern Highland Lake District of Wisconsin, near Trout Lake. The four USGS stream gauge stations are Allequash Creek at County Highway M (USGS-05357215), Stevenson Creek at County Highway M (USGS-05357225), North Creek at Trout Lake (USGS-05357230), and the Trout River at Trout Lake (USGS-05357245), all near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. The project has collected stream water chemistry data for a maximum of 36 different chemical parameters,. and three different physical stream parameters: temperature, discharge, and gauge height. All water chemistry samples are collected as grab samples and sent to the USGS National Water Quality Lab in Denver, Colorado. There is historic data for Stevenson Creek from 1975-1977, and then beginning again in 1991. The Trout Lake WEBB project began during the summer of 1991 and sampling of all four sites continues to date.
Creator
Dataset ID
276
Date Range
-
Maintenance
Completed.
Metadata Provider
Methods
DL is used to represent “detection limit” where known.NOTE (1): Each method listed below corresponds with a USGS Parameter Code, which is listed after the variable name. NOTE (2): If the NEMI method # is known, it is also specified at the end of each method description.NOTE (3): Some of the variables are calculated using algorithms within QWDATA. If this is the case see Appendix D of the NWIS User’s Manual for additional information. However, appendix D does not list the algorithm used by the USGS. If a variable is calculated with an algorithm the term: algor, will be listed after the variable name.anc: 99431, Alkalinity is determined in the field by using the gran function plot methods, see TWRI Book 9 Chapter A6.1. anc_1: 90410 and 00410, Alkalinity is determined by titrating the water sample with a standard solution of a strong acid. The end point of the titration is selected as pH 4.5. See USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 57, NEMI method #: I-2030-89.2. c13_c12_ratio: 82081, Exact method unknown. The following method is suspected: Automated dual inlet isotope ratio analysis with sample preparation by precipitation with ammoniacal strontium chloride solution, filtration, purification, acidified of strontium carbonate; sample size is greater than 25 micromoles of carbon; one-sigma uncertainty is approximately ± 0.1 ‰. See USGS Determination of the delta13 C of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon in Water, RSIL Lab Code 1710. Chapter 18 of Section C, Stable Isotope-Ratio Methods Book 10, Methods of the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory.3. ca, mg, mn, na, and sr all share the same method. The USGS parameter codes are listed first, then the method description with NEMI method #, and finally DL’s:ca- 00915, mg- 00925, mn- 01056, na- 00930, sr- 01080All metals are determined simultaneously on a single sample by a direct reading emission spectrometric method using an inductively coupled argon plasma as an excitation source. Samples are pumped into a crossflow pneumatic nebulizer, and introduced into the plasma through a spray chamber and torch assembly. Each analysis is determined on the basis of the average of three replicate integrations, each of which is background corrected by a spectrum shifting technique except for lithium (670.7 nm) and sodium (589.0 nm). A series of five mixed-element standards and a blank are used for calibration. Method requires an autosampler and emission spectrometry system. See USGS OF 93-125, p 101, NEMI Method #: I-1472-87.DL’s: ca- .02 mg/l, mg-.01 mg/l, mn-1.0 ug/l, na- .2 mg/l, sr- .5 ug/l4. cl, f, and so4 all share the same method. The USGS parameter codes are listed first, then the method description with NEMI method #, and finally DL’s:cl- 00940, f-00950, so4-00945All three anions (chloride, flouride, and sulfate) are separated chromatographically following a single sample injection on an ion exchange column. Ions are separated on the basis of their affinity for the exchange sites of the resin. The separated anions in their acid form are measured using an electrical conductivity cell. Anions are identified on the basis of their retention times compared with known standards. 19 The peak height or area is measured and compared with an analytical curve generated from known standards to quantify the results. See USGS OF 93-125, p 19, NEMI method #: I-2057.DL’s: cl-.2 mg/l, f-.1 mg/l, so4-.2 mg/lco2: 00405, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, Page 285.co3: 00445, algor.color: 00080, The color of the water is compared to that of the colored glass disks that have been calibrated to correspond to the platinum-cobalt scale of Hazen (1892), See USGS TWRI 5-A1 or1989, P.191, NEMI Method #: I-1250. DL: 1 Pt-Co colorconductance_field: 00094 and 00095, specific conductance is determined in the field using a standard YSI multimeter, See USGS TWRI 9, 6.3.3.A, P. 13, NEMI method #: NFM 6.3.3.A-SW.conductance_lab: 90095, specific conductance is determined by using a wheat and one bridge in which a variable resistance is adjusted so that it is equal to the resistance of the unknown solution between platinized electrodes of a standardized conductivity cell, sample at 25 degrees celcius, See USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 461, NEMI method #: I-1780-85.dic: 00691, This test method can be used to make independent measurements of IC and TC and can also determine TOC as the difference of TC and IC. The basic steps of the procedure are as follows:(1) Removal of IC, if desired, by vacuum degassing;(2) Conversion of remaining inorganic carbon to CO<sub>2</sub> by action of acid in both channels and oxidation of total carbon to CO<sub>2</sub> by action of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the TC channel. For further information, See ASTM Standards, NEMI method #: D6317. DL: n/adkn: 00623 and 99894, Organic nitrogen compounds are reduced to the ammonium ion by digestion with sulfuric acid in the presence of mercuric sulfate, which acts as a catalyst, and potassium sulfate. The ammonium ion produced by this digestion, as well as the ammonium ion originally present, is determined by reaction with sodium salicylate, sodium nitroprusside, and sodium hypochlorite in an alkaline medium. The resulting color is directly proportional to the concentration of ammonia present, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 327, NEMI method #: 351.2. DL: .10 mg/Ldo: 0300, Dissolved oxygen is measured in the field with a standard YSI multimeter, NEMI Method #: NFM 6.2.1-Lum. DL: 1 mg/L.doc: 00681, The sample is acidified, purged to remove carbonates and bicarbonates, and the organic carbon is oxidized to carbon dioxide with persulfate, in the presence of an ultraviolet light. The carbon dioxide is measured by nondispersive infrared spectrometry, see USGS OF 92-480, NEMI Method #: O-1122-92. DL: .10 mg/L.don: 00607, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, page 291.dp: 00666 and 99893, All forms of phosphorus, including organic phosphorus, are converted to orthophosphate ions using reagents and reaction parameters identical to those used in the block digester procedure for determination of organic nitrogen plus ammonia, that is, sulfuric acid, potassium sulfate, and mercury (II) at a temperature of 370 deg, see USGS OF Report 92-146, or USGS TWRI 5-A1/1979, p 453, NEMI method #: I-2610-91. DL= .012 mg/L.fe: 01046, Iron is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry by direct aspiration of the sample solution into an air-acetylene flame, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1985, NEMI method #: I-1381. DL= 10µg/L.h_ion: 00191, algor.h20_hardness: 00900, algor.h20_hardness_2: 00902, algor.hco3: 00440, algor.k: 00935, Potassium is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry by direct aspiration of the sample solution into an air-acetylene flame , see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 393, NEMI method #: I-1630-85. DL= .01 mg/L.n_mixed: 00600, algor.n_mixed_1: 00602, algor.n_mixed_2: 71887, algor.nh3_nh4: 00608, Ammonia reacts with salicylate and hypochlorite ions in the presence of ferricyanide ions to form the salicylic acid analog of indophenol blue (Reardon and others, 1966; Patton and Crouch, 1977; Harfmann and Crouch, 1989). The resulting color is directly proportional to the concentration of ammonia present, See USGS OF 93-125, p 125/1986 (mg/l as N), NEMI Method #: I-2525. DL= .01 mg/L.nh3_nh4_1: 71846, algor.nh3_nh4_2: 00610, same method as 00608, except see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 321. DL = .01 mg/L.nh3_nh4_3: 71845, algor.no2: 00613, Nitrite ion reacts with sulfanilamide under acidic conditions to form a diazo compound which then couples with N-1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a red compound, the absorbance of which is measured colorimetrically, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 343, NEMI method #: I-2540-90. DL= .01 mg/L.no2_2: 71856, algor.no3: 00618, Nitrate is determined sequentially with six other anions by ion-exchange chromatography, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, P. 339, NEMI method #: I-2057. DL= .05 mg/L.no3_2: 71851, algor.no32: 00630, An acidified sodium chloride extraction procedure is used to extract nitrate and nitrite from samples of bottom material for this determination(Jackson, 1958). Nitrate is reduced to nitrite by cadmium metal. Imidazole is used to buffer the analytical stream. The sample stream then is treated with sulfanilamide to yield a diazo compound, which couples with N-lnaphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form an azo dye, the absorbance of which is measured colorimetrically. Procedure is used to extract nitrate and nitrite from bottom material for this determination (Jackson, 1958), see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 351. DL= .1 mg/Lno32_2: 00631, same as description for no32, except see USGS OF 93-125, p 157. DL= .1 mg/L.o18_o16_ratio: 82085, Sample preparation by equilibration with carbon dioxide and automated analysis; sample size is 0.1 to 2.0 milliliters of water. For 2-mL samples, the 2-sigma uncertainties of oxygen isotopic measurement results are 0.2 ‰. This means that if the same sample were resubmitted for isotopic analysis, the newly measured value would lie within the uncertainty bounds 95 percent of the time. Water is extracted from soils and plants by distillation with toluene; recommended sample size is 1-5 ml water per analysis, see USGS Determination of the Determination of the delta (18 O or 16O) of Water, RSIL Lab Code 489.o2sat: Dissolved oxygen is measured in the field with a standard YSI multimeter, which also measures % oxygen saturation, NEMI Method #: NFM 6.2.1-Lum.ph_field: 00400, pH determined in situ, using a standard YSI multimeter, see USGS Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, Chaps. A1-A9, Chap. A6.4 "pH," NEMI method # NFM 6.4.3.A-SW. DL= .01 pH.ph_lab: 00403, involves use of laboratory pH meter, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 363, NEMI method #: I-1586.po4: 00660, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, Page 286.po4_2: 00671, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, NEMI method #: I-2602. DL= .01 mg/L.s: 63719, cannot determine exact method used. USGS method code: 7704-34-9 is typically used to measure sulfur as a percentage, with an DL =.01 µg/L. It is known that the units for sulfur measurements in this data set are micrograms per liter.sar: 00931, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, Page 288.si: 00955, Silica reacts with molybdate reagent in acid media to form a yellow silicomolybdate complex. This complex is reduced by ascorbic acid to form the molybdate blue color. The silicomolybdate complex may form either as an alpha or beta polymorph or as a mixture of both. Because the two polymorphic forms have absorbance maxima at different wavelengths, the pH of the mixture is kept below 2.5, a condition that favors formation of the beta polymorph (Govett, 1961; Mullen and Riley, 1955; Strickland, 1952), see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 417, NEMI method #: I-2700-85. DL= .10 mg/L.spc: 00932, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, Page 289.tds: 70300 and 70301, A well-mixed sample is filtered through a standard glass fiber filter. The filtrate is evaporated and dried to constant weight at 180 deg C, see " Filterable Residue by Drying Oven," NEMI method #: 160.1, DL= 10 mg/l. Note: despite DL values occur in the data set that are less than 10 mg/l.tds_1: 70301, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, Page 289.tds_2: 70303, algor, see NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, Page 290.tkn: 00625 and 99892, Block digester procedure for determination of organic nitrogen plus ammonia, that is, sulfuric acid, potassium sulfate, and Mercury (II) at a temperature of 370°C. See the USGS Open File Report 92-146 for further details. DL: .10 mg/L.toc: 00680, The sample is acidified, purged to remove carbonates and bicarbonates, and the organic carbon is oxidized to carbon dioxide with persulfate, in the presence of an ultraviolet light. The carbon dioxide is measured by nondispersive infrared spectrometry, see USGS TWRI 5-A3/1987, p 15, NEMI Method #: O-1122-92. DL=.10 mg/L.ton: 00605, algor, See NWIS User's Manual, QW System, Appendix D, page 286.tp: 00665 and 99891, This method may be used to analyze most water, wastewater, brines, and water-suspended sediment containing from 0.01 to 1.0 mg/L of phosphorus. Samples containing greater concentrations need to be diluted, see USGS TWRI 5-A1/1989, p 367, NEMI method #: I-4607. tp_2: 71886, algor.tpc: 00694, The basic steps of this test method are:1) Conversion of remaining IC to CO2 by action of acid, 2) Removal of IC, if desired, by vacuum degassing, 3) Split of flow into two streams to provide for separate IC and TC measurements, 4) Oxidation of TC to CO2 by action of acid-persulfate aided by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the TC channel, 5) Detection of CO2 by passing each liquid stream over membranes that allow the specific passage of CO2 to high-purity water where change in conductivity is measured, and 6) Conversion of the conductivity detector signal to a display of carbon concentration in parts per million (ppm = mg/L) or parts per billion (ppb = ug/L). The IC channel reading is subtracted from the TC channel reading to give a TOC reading, see ASTM Standards, NEMI Method #: D5997. DL= .06 µg/L.tpn: 49570, A weighed amount of dried particulate (from water) or sediment is combusted at a high temperature using an elemental analyzer. The combustion products are passed over a copper reduction tube to covert nitrogen oxides to molecular nitrogen. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor are mixed at a known volume, temperature, and pressure. The concentrations of nitrogen and carbon are determined using a series of thermal conductivity detectors/traps, measuring in turn by difference hydrogen (as water vapor), carbon (as carbon dioxide), and nitrogen (as molecular nitrogen). Procedures also are provided to differentiate between organic and inorganic carbon, if desired, see USEPA Method 440, NEMI method #: 440. DL= .01 mg/L.
Short Name
TL-USGS-WEBB Data
Version Number
15

North Temperate Lakes LTER: Groundwater Chemistry 1984 - current

Abstract
Water chemistry is measured annually in 11 monitoring wells to characterize regional groundwater chemistry in the Trout Lake area. The chemical parameters measured include pH, conductivity, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic and organic carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate, ammonia, total phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, iron, manganese, total silica and dissolved reactive silica. Chemical data are available at a quarterly sampling frequency for some years. In addition (see related data set - Groundwater Level), water levels in 37 monitoring wells are measured several times per year. The wells are scattered throughout the Trout Lake hydrological basin and the data are used to calibrate and test regional groundwater flow models. Sampling Frequency: annually - with some earlier data from quarterly sampling Number of sites: 11
Dataset ID
10
Date Range
-
Maintenance
ongoing
Metadata Provider
Methods
Ammonium, Nitrate, Nitrit Samples for ammonium and nitrate or nitrite are collected together with a peristaltic pump and tubing and in-line filtered (through a 0.40 micron polycarbonate filter) into new, 20 ml HDPE plastic containers with conical caps. The samples are stored frozen until analysis, which should occur within 6 months. The samples are analyzed for ammonium (and nitrateornitrite) simultaneously by automated colorimetric spectrophotometry, using a segmented flow autoanalyzer. Ammonium is determined by utilizing the Berthelot Reaction, producing a blue colored indophenol compound, where the absorption is monitored at 660 nm. The detection limit for ammonium is approximately 3 ppb and the analytical range for the method extends to 4000 ppb. The detection limit for nitrateornitrite is approximately 2 ppb and the analytical range for the method extends to 4000 ppb. Method Log: Prior to January 2006 samples, ammonium was determined on a Technicon segmented flow autoanalyzer. From 2006 to present, ammonium is determined by an Astoria-Pacific Astoria II segmented flow autoanalyzer. Chloride, Sulfate Samples for chloride and sulfate are collected together with a peristaltic pump and tubing and in-line filtered (through a 0.40 micron polycarbonate filter) into new, 20 ml HDPE plastic containers with conical caps. The samples are stored refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius until analysis, which should occur within 6 months. The samples are analyzed for chloride (and sulfate) simultaneously by Ion Chromatography, using a hydroxide eluent. The detection limit for chloride is approximately 0.01 ppm and the analytical range for the method extends to 100 ppm. The detection limit for sulfate is approximately 0.01 ppm and the analytical range for the method extends to 60 ppm. Method Log: Prior to January 1998 samples, chloride was determined on a Dionex DX10 Ion Chromatograph, using a chemical fiber suppressor. From 1998 to 2011, chloride was determined by a Dionex model DX500, using an electro-chemical suppressor. From January 2011 until present, chloride is determined by a Dionex model ICS 2100 using an electro-chemical suppressor. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and manganese Samples for calcium analysis (as well as dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and manganese) are collected together with a peristaltic pump and tubing and in-line filtered (through a 40 micron polycarbonate filter) into 120 ml LDPE bottles and acidified to a 1percent HCl matrix by adding 1 ml of ultra pure concentrated HCl to 100 mls of sample. For every sample acidification event, three acid blanks are created by adding the same acid used on the samples to 100 mls of ultra pure water supplied from the lab. Once acidified, the samples are stable at room temperature until analysis, which should occur within one year. Until acidification, the samples should be refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius. Calcium, as well as magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and manganese are analyzed simultaneously on an optical inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The acidified samples are directly aspirated into the instrument without a digestion. Calcium is analyzed at 317.933 nm and at 315.887 nm and viewed axially for low-level analysis and radially for high level analysis. The detection limit for calcium is 0.06 ppm with an analytical range of the method extends to 50 ppm. The detection limit for iron is 0.02 ppm with an analytical range of the method extends to 20 ppm. The detection limit for magnesium is 0.03 ppm with an analytical range of the method extends to 50 ppm. The detection limit for manganese is 0.01 ppm with an analytical range of the method extends to 2 ppm. The detection limit for potassium is 0.06 ppm with an analytical range of the method extends to 10 ppm. The detection limit for sodium is 0.06 ppm with an analytical range of the method extends to 50 ppm. Method Log: Prior to January 2002, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and manganese were determined on a Perkin-Elmer model 503 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Lanthanum at a 0.8percent concentration was added as a matrix modifier to suppress chemical interferences. From January 2002 to present, samples are analyzed for calcium on a Perkin-Elmer model 4300 DV ICP. Inorganic and organic carbon Samples for inorganic and organic carbon are collected together with a peristaltic pump and tubing and in-line filtered, if necessary, (through a 0.40 micron polycarbonate filter) into glass, 24 ml vials (that are compatible with the carbon analyzer autosampler), and capped with septa, leaving no head space. The samples are stored refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius until analysis, which should occur within 2-3 weeks. The detection limit for inorganic carbon is 0.15 ppm, and the analytical range for the method is 60 ppm. The detection limit for organic carbon is 0.30 ppm and the analytical range for the method is 30 ppm. Method Log: Prior to May 2006 samples, inorganic carbon was analyzed by phosphoric acid addition on an OI Model 700 Carbon Analyzer. From May 2006 to present, inorganic carbon is still analyzed by phosphoric acid addition, but on a Shimadzu TOC-V-csh Total Organic Carbon Analyzer. Method Log: Prior to May 2006 samples, organic carbon was analyzed by heated persulfate digestion on an OI Model 700 Carbon Analyzer. From May 2006 to present, Organic carbon is analyzed by combustion, on a Shimadzu TOC-V-csh Total Organic Carbon Analyzer. Dissolved reactive silicon Samples for silicon are collected with a peristaltic pump and tubing and in-line filtered (through a 40 micron polycarbonate filter) into 120 ml LDPE bottles and acidified to a 1percent HCl matrix by adding 1 ml of ultra pure concentrated HCl to 100 mls of sample. For every sample acidification event, three acid blanks are created by adding the same acid used on the samples to 100 mls of ultra pure water supplied from the lab. Once acidified, the samples are stable at room temperature until analysis, which should occur within one year. Until acidification, the samples should be refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius. Dissolved reactive silica is determined by the Heteropoly Blue Method and the absorption is measured at 820 nm. The detection limit for silicon is 6 ppb and the analytical range is 15000 ppb. Method Log These determinations were performed manually using a Bausch and Lomb Spectrophotometer from the beginning of the project until April 1984. From 1984 through 2005, dissolved reactive silicon was determined on a Technicon Auto Analyzer II. From January 2006 to present, samples are run on an Astoria-Pacific Astoria II Autoanalyzer. total and dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus Samples for total and dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus analysis are collected together with a peristaltic pump and tubing and in-line filtered, when necessary, (through a 40 micron polycarbonate filter) into 120 ml LDPE bottles and acidified to a 1percent HCl matrix by adding 1 mL of ultra pure concentrated HCl to 100 mls of sample. For every sample acidification event, three acid blanks are created by adding the same acid used on the samples to 100 mls of ultra pure water supplied from the lab. Once acidified, the samples are stable at room temperature until analysis, which should occur within one year. Until acidification, the samples should be refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius. The samples must first be prepared for analysis by adding an NaOH–Persulfate digestion reagent and heated for an hour at 120 degrees C and 18-20 psi in an autoclave. The samples are analyzed for total nitrogen and total phosphorus simultaneously by automated colorimetric spectrophotometry, using a segmented flow autoanalyzer. Total nitrogen is determined by utilizing the automated cadmium reduction method, as described in Standard Methods, where the absorption is monitored at 520 nm. The detection limit for total and dissolved nitrogen is approximately 21 ppb and the analytical range for the method extends to 2500 ppb. The detection limit for total phosphorus is approximately 3 ppb and the analytical range for the method extends to 800 ppb. Method Log: Prior to January 2006 samples, total nitrogen was determined on a Technicon segmented flow autoanalyzer. From 2006 to present, total nitrogen is determined by an Astoria-Pacific Astoria II segmented flow autoanalyzer. pH We sample at the deepest part of the lake using a peristaltic pump and tubing, monthly during open water and approximately every five weeks during ice cover. We collect two types of pH samples at each sampling depth: one in 20ml vials with cone cap inserts to exclude all air from the vial, and one in 125ml bottles to be air equilibrated before analysis. The depths for sample collection are based on thermal stratification: top and bottom of the epilimnion, mid thermocline, and top, middle,and bottom of the hypolimnion. During mixis we sample at the surface, mid water column, and bottom. We analyze for pH the same day that samples are collected, keeping them cold and dark until just before analysis. Samples are warmed to room temperature in a dark container, and the air equilibrated samples are bubbled with outside air for at least 15 minutes prior to measurement. We measure pH using a Radiometer combination pH electrode and Orion 4Star pH meter. Protocol Log: 1981-1988 -- used a PHM84 Research pH meter. 1986 -- began analyzing air equilibrated pH. 1988 - July 2010 -- used an Orion model 720 pH meter.</p>
Short Name
NTLGW02
Version Number
23

North Temperate Lakes LTER: Groundwater Levels 1984 - current

Abstract
Water levels in monitoring wells are measured several times throughout the year. The number of monitored wells has ranged over the study period from 19 to 44 wells. Currently, 37 wells are being monitored 4 - 5 times per year. The wells are scattered throughout the Trout Lake hydrological basin and the data are used to calibrate and test regional groundwater flow models. In addition (see related data set - Groundwater Chemistry), water chemistry is measured annually in a subset of 11 of these wells to characterize regional groundwater chemistry in the Trout Lake area. Sampling Frequency: varies - generally from 4 - 9 times a year Number of sites: 44
Dataset ID
9
Date Range
-
LTER Keywords
Maintenance
ongoing
Metadata Provider
Methods
Standard water level measurements in ground water wells. See abstract for more methods descriptions.
Short Name
NTLGW01
Version Number
22
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