Factors influencing bulk precipitation chemistry at an upland site in mid‐Wales

Abstract
Bulk precipitation at an upland grassland catchment was monitored over 2 yr using a continuously open collector. The data were analyzed to establish the relative contributions from marine and nonmarine sources and the influence of wind direction and speed on precipitation chemistry. The precipitation was dilute, acidic and dominated by sea-derived solutes. The relative contribution of marine-derived solutes was related to weather conditions dominated by autumnal storms from the west and southwest; periods of calm weather in spring with light easterly winds were an important control on the chemistry of nonmarine ions. An estimate of the rate of bulk deposition of solutes at the site was given, and the possible errors relating to the interpretation of this estimate for a catchment system were discussed.