OverviewThis chemistry dataset was used to assess patterns in watershed export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, DOC flux, and characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) for preparation and publication of the manuscript: Oliver et al. 2017, Globally-significant yields of dissolved organic carbon from small watersheds of the Pacific coastal temperate rainforest, doi: 10.5194/bg-2017-5, Biogeosciences. Chemistry and discharge data were collected from the stream outlet stations of the seven focal watersheds at the Hakai watersheds observatory on Calvert and Hecate Islands, British Columbia Central Coast.Brief summary of methodsFor detailed information on sample collection and methods of analysis please refer to Oliver et al. 2017.Stream water grab samples were collected every 2-3 weeks (or ~monthly in winter) from May 2013 to July 2016 (n= 402) from stream outlets of the seven focal watersheds monitored within the Kwakshua Channel watersheds. Samples were run for analysis of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), iron (Fe), and optical characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) using spectrofluorometry. Excitation emission matrices (EEMs) were used in parallel factor modeling (PARAFAC) to deconstruct and identify individual fluorophore components of DOM. Model output from this PARAFAC analysis can be found online at www.openfluor.org. Stream discharge was measured by developing stage discharge rating curves at a fixed hydrometric station in proximity to the outlet. DOC flux was estimated using multiple regression methods in the R package rloadest by combining DOC concentrations with 15-minute continuous stream discharge from each watershed. Loads for October 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 are presented for each watershed in average kilograms per day. Further details on the development and analysis of stage discharge rating curves and multiple regression models used for estimating DOC flux can be found in Oliver et al. 2017Oliver, A.A., S.E. Tank, I. Giesbrecht, M.C. Korver, W.C. Floyd, P. Sanborn, C. Bulmer, and K.P. Lertzman. 2017. Globally-significant yields of dissolved organic carbon from small watersheds of the Pacific coastal temperate rainforest. Biogeosciences Discussion paper.

Locations of Ecosystem Comparison plots (ECP) used by the Hakai Institute on Calvert and Hecate Islands. Each plot is 20 m x 20 m, oriented with two sides following the slope. Plot locations were selected to be representative of terrestrial ecosystem units recognized in the BC Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification system. Plot center is generally marked with a PVC post and blue flagging tape at plot center. The attribute table summarizes for each plot what data types are available and what research projects that have utilized the plot. Foundational data for each plot includes a FS882 form for Site, Soil and Vegetation description, completed using the BC standard Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems 2nd Edition (2010). Soil samples were collected using an auger in most plots and sent to North Road Analytical Lab (NRAL) for analysis. Ecological Terrestrial Laser Scanning (ETLS) has been conducted in a subset of plots. Similarly, a subset of plots have been used for microbiological sampling, the BIOMES project, water tables wells and a dendroecology project.VersioningThe attribute data included here were extracted from the master dataset on November 7, 2015 reflecting three new plots established in 2015, as well as minor modifications to content from the March 18, 2015 version.Credits: Ian Giesbrecht, Allen Banner, Kira Hoffman, Paul Sanborn, Sari Saunders and Andy MacKinnon. Many ecologists have been involved in establishing and studying the ECP plots on Calvert and Hecate Islands. Please see the Surveyor field in the dataset for full details.Institutional credits: Hakai Institute, Banner Consulting, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.Please contact [email protected] for more information on the ECP plot network and participating researchers.