This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Sensitivity of Soils to Effects of Acidic Deposition


This map shows the percentage of area in natural regions of the eastern United States having forested soils that may experience a delayed or future response to acidic deposition. (Prepared by Geographic Data Systems in Cooperation with Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.)

What is the sensitivity of soils of the United States to change caused by acidic deposition?

Soil chemistry changes including leaching of nutrients, mobilization of toxic elements such as aluminum, and fertilization have been postulated and in some places demonstrated to occur in response to acidic deposition. The extent, magnitude, and implications of such changes have been measured, mapped, modeled, and debated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists. Conclusions from these analyses were used for the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program and for an evaluation of critical loads of atmospheric sulfate and nitrate deposition. An effort is under way to model soil and related terrestrial and aquatic effects as part of an end-to-end assessment including emissions, transport and deposition, effects on natural and human systems, and social and economic valuation.

The findings will be used as input by the administration and by Congress in evaluation of the effectiveness of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

Turner, R. S., R. J. Olson, and C.C. Brant. 1986. Areas having soil characteristics that may indicate sensitivity to acidic deposition under alternative forest damage hypotheses. ORNL/TM-9917. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.


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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.