Abstract
Nitrogen cycle studies were carried out on two distinct systems in arctic Alaska. Research on the first, a series of small tundra thaw ponds near Barrow, was carried out as part of the International Biological Program Tundra Biome program. Research on the contrasting system, Toolik Lake, was done during the year following completion of the Barrow pond research. Toolik Lake is located on the north flank of the Brooks Range, approximately 130 km south of the Beaufort Sea coast.
The two systems had some similarities, but also some distinct differences which appeared to be associated with their different depths. Tundra ponds are very shallow, freeze to the bottom in winter and the waters are continuously in contact with the sediment. The sediment, therefore, serves as a major source of inorganic nitrogen for the phytoplankton. As a result, phosphorus rather than nitrogen deftciency is evident. In the deep lake, in situ nitrogen regeneration and allochthonous sources are important and nitrogen deftciency can occur.
An examination of the nitrogenous nutrient regime of these two systems and the major cycle processes is included.
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References
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© 1989 Kluwer Academic Publishers
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Alexander, V., Whalen, S.C., Klingensmith, K.M. (1989). Nitrogen cycling in Arctic lakes and ponds. In: Vincent, W.F., Ellis-Evans, J.C. (eds) High Latitude Limnology. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 49. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2603-5_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2603-5_12
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