Pinnacles National Monument AQRV's
Surface waters in Pinnacles NM are well buffered, with high specific conductance and high calcium concentrations. These surface waters are therefore unlikely to be sensitive to acidification from deposition of nitrogen and sulfur compounds.
Fauna/Wildlife
While there have been no systematic studies, there is currently no information indicating that wildlife in Pinnacles NM are being affected by air pollutants.
Night Skies
Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Pinnacles 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
Soils in Pinnacles NM may be sensitive to atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds. In some areas of California, elevated nitrogen deposition has been shown to alter soil nutrient cycling.
Vegetation
Several plant species that occur in Pinnacles NM, including Sambucus mexicana (blue elderberry) and Artemisia douglasiana (Douglas’ sagewort, mugwort), are known to be sensitive to ozone. Ozone peak concentrations and cumulative doses in the monument are sufficient to induce vegetation injury.
Pinnacles NM also have a great abundance and variety of lichens. Many of the species present are known to be sensitive to air pollution, including Ramalina menziesii and Xanthoria cumberlandia, and may be impacted already.
- 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 in Pinnacles NM. Although visibility in the monument is still superior to that in many parts of the country, visibility in the monument is sometimes impaired by light-scattering pollutants (haze).