Impact of the 1988 Forest Fires on the Chemistry of Ground Water in Yellowstone National Park

Abstract

In order to investigate the impact of the 1988 fires on the chemistry and water quality of shallow ground water in Yellowstone National Park, a two­year program of sampling and analysis was begun in August, 1989. Samples from ground-water wells for which pre-fire chemical data could be obtained were selected for this study. Although it may have been anticipated that the surface waters would show some effects of fire, in terms of increased sedimentation and the addition of ash-laden runoff, the effects of the fires on ground water are less predictable. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the character and extent of these effects.