This section speaks to the physical and chemical environment of the Bristol Bay drainage study area – that is the meteorology, geology, soil, ground and surface water characteristics of the study area. Research reported here has been assembled from 2004-2008, with some sections including data gathered through 2010. Download individual chapters from the link at the right, either in summary or complete form, or explore individual chapters below.

Chapters

Chapter 2: Climate and Meteorology

Range and seasonality of precipitation, evaporation, temperatures and wind data

Chapter 3: Geology and Mineralization

Surficial and bedrock geology, geological structure, deposit types, alteration and mineralization

Chapter 4: Physiography

Topography, landforms, permafrost and stream drainage patterns

Chapter 5: Soils

Soil types in the study area

Chapter 6: Geotechnical and Seismic

Surficial geology, overburden and bedrock geology, hydrogeology, physiography, topography and surficial materials in relation to rock mass, water movement and seismicity

CHAPTER 7: Surface Water Hydrology

Regional and local hydrology, streamflow gaging, snow survey programs

Chapter 8: Groundwater Hydrology

Groundwater flow, water balance modeling, flow rates, hydraulic conductivity, water level fluctuations and pathways

Chapter 9: Water Quality

Physical and chemical parameters related to surface and groundwater quality

Chapter 10: Trace Elements

Spatial and temporal variability in soil, vegetation, sediments and fish tissue

Chapter 11: Geochemical Characterization

Risk potential for acid rock drainage and metal leaching

Chapter 12: Noise

Monitoring data collected to establish baseline noise levels