Yellowstone National Park AQRV's

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho-Montana-Wyoming

• Sensitivity of Alpine and Subalpine Lakes to Acidification from Atmospheric Deposition in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Fauna/Wildlife
While there have been no systematic studies, there is currently no information indicating that wildlife in Yellowstone NP are being affected by air pollutants.

Night Skies
Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Yellowstone NP, 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.

• Natural Lightscapes

Soils
High-elevation soils in Yellowstone NP may be poorly buffered and sensitive to acidification. Soils may also be sensitive to enrichment from nitrogen deposition. In some parts of the country, nitrogen deposition has caused changes in soil nutrient cycling.

Vegetation
Several plant species that occur in Yellowstone NP, including Rhustrilobata (skunkbush) and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) are known to be sensitive to ozone.

• 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
Visibility is a very sensitive AQRV at Yellowstone NP. Visibility in the park is sometimes impaired by pollutant haze.

• IMPROVE Visibility Data
• Natural Background Estimates