WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
Lots of rain the last few days. Something I’ve been fascinated by is the build-up of foam in a stream after heavy rain. I wondered what caused it. According to the Ausable River Association, “Foam build-up is more prevalent in streams and rivers after rainfall because there’s more water moving through the ground and more organic matter being dissolved. With higher water, more turbulent conditions form bubbles, and the Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) attaches to these forming foam at the surface.” DOC accumulates as water moves through soil from the breakdown of sticks, leaves, tannins, etc. It can turn the water a brown color, just like a teabag in water.
May the Forest Be with You,
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association