Alpine meadows changing at Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
376 day(s) ago
A nitrogen compound associated with fertilizer has found its way into Rocky Mountain National Park. Scientists studying ammonium levels have begun noticing changes in alpine ecosystems, where wildflowers are giving way to grasses.
Ammonium levels are also rising in national parks in Arizona, Idaho, South Dakota and Utah. According to researchers, ammonium can subtly change the ecosystems of lakes, ponds and alpine meadows. A recent National Park Service report concluded that airborne ammonium rose between 1996 and 2005.
