ADVANTAGES AND USES OF LONG-TERM DATASETS AS SEEN AT THE SHINGOBEE HEADWATERS AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS PROJECT IN MINNESOTA

Tom Winter was a strong proponent of long-term field research and felt it was worth the effort to build long-term datasets when possible. As part of Tom’s network of research sites established across a climatic gradient, the Shingobee Headwaters Aquatic Ecosystems Project in Minnesota was begun in 1978. Hydrologic and climatic variables were collected routinely and some variables now extend for 33 years. This poster illustrates some of the benefits of long-term data and compares results based on short-term and long-term basic hydrologic data, such as major chemical ions, water levels, precipitation and water temperatures. Hydrological conclusions vary based on length of time of data collection. For instance calcium, magnesium and alkalinity have all more than doubled during a 5-year period in one of the wells after the area was clear-cut. The values have decreased over the next 8 years, but have not returned to pre-clear-cut levels. We were able to study the effects of a 6-8 year drought on water levels and water chemistry. While some problems exist in dealing with long-term datasets, such as changes in labs and techniques, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.