Chiricahua National Monument AQRV's
Most surface waters in Chiricahua NM are likely to be well-buffered and, as a result, insensitive to acidic atmospheric deposition because of an abundance of base cations in underlying park soils and rocks. However, studies currently underway have identified certain soils in the park that appear to be very sensitive to acidification; small potholes or other waterbodies on these soils may also be vulnerable to acidification. Small potholes may also be sensitive to nutrient enrichment from nitrogen deposition. Nitrogen enrichment may result in algae blooms and oxygen depletion, but no studies have been done to study these potential effects in the park.
While there have been no systematic studies, there is currently no information indicating that wildlife in Chiricahua NP are being affected by air pollutants.
Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Chiricahua NM, possessing value as a cultural, scenic, natural, and scientific resource. Air pollution and poor quality outdoor lighting degrade night skies, lessening a viewer's ability to see stars and other astronomical objects, and altering the nocturnal scene. Use of high quality lighting that produces very little scattered light can greatly improve the night sky. Reduction of haze from air pollution can also improve the night sky.
Soils in Chiricahua NM may be sensitive to atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds. In some areas of the country, elevated nitrogen deposition has been shown to alter soil nutrient cycling.
Several species of vegetation in Chiricahua NM are known to be sensitive to ozone, including Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) and Rhus trilobata (skunkbush). Ozone concentrations and cumulative ozone doses are high enough to induce foliar injury to sensitive vegetation under certain conditions.
- Ozone Sensitive Plant Species Listed by Park
- Ozone Sensitive Plant Species on NPS and U.S. FWS Lands
- Ozone Bioindicators on NPS and U.S. FWS Lands
Visibility is a sensitive AQRV at Chiricahua NM. Visibility monitoring in the park has documented frequent visibility impairment(haze) due to fine particle pollution in the area.