RT09A1 - Lower Alis
Site Code: RT09A1. GPS: S12°28671, W75°787584. Elevation: 3254m asl.
Water Quality Data
The following river and water quality data was collected from this site:
| RT09A1 | July 2019 | November 2019 | November 2021 | March 2022 | June 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season: | Austral Winter | Austral Summer | Austral Summer | Austral Summer | Austral Winter |
| Date: | 11.07.2019 | 21.11.2019 | 15.11.21 | 28.3.2022 | 29.6.22 |
| Time: | 16.30 | 15.45 | 12.30 | 9.45 | 9.00 |
| Width (m) | 8.0 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 10.7 | 9.2 |
| Depth (Av.) (m) | 0.64 | 0.90 | 0.63 | 0.82 | 0.82 |
| CSA (Av.) (m²) | 5.09 | 5.40 | 4.73 | 5.44 | 7.54 |
| Velocity (Av.) (m/s) | 1.17 | 0.68 | 0.73 | 1.08 | 0.94 |
| Discharge (Av.) (m³/s) | 5.958 | 3.661 | 3.45 | 5.875 | 7.09 |
| Riverbed sediment | Cobbles & Boulders | Cobbles & Boulders | Cobbles & Boulders | Cobbles & Pebbles | Cobbles & Pebbles |
| Temp. (Atmospheric) (°C) | 16 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 10.5 |
| Temp. (Water) (°C) | 11.24 | 12.69 | 12.22 | 11.36 | 10.90 |
| Atmospheric pressure (mbar) | 599 | 680 | 702 | <600 | |
| Dissolved oxygen (mg/l) | 5.04 | 3.63 | 6.06 | 4.83 | 6.52 |
| Dissolved oxygen (%) | 67.6 | 59.6 | 82.1 | 75.4 | 101.3 |
| pH | 8.35 | 8.05 | 8.35 | 8.24 | |
| Conductivity (µS/cm) | 602 | 625 | 803 | 417 | 632 |
| Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) | 301 | 312 | 402 | 209 | 316 |
| ORP (mV) | 349.3 | 154.5 | 143.3 | 41.7 | 141.2 |
| Turbidity | Clear: | Clear: | Clear: | Slightly milky: blue, grey, green | Clear: slightly blue/grey |
| Alkalinity (mg/l CaCO₃) | 193 (1.6N) | - | 206 (1.6N) | 180 (1.6N) | 192 (1.6N) |
| Alkalinity Tester (ppm CaCO₃) | - | - | - | 164 | 191 |
Data Analysis
There is a constant, significant flow in the rio Alis throughout the year. Fluctuations at this point reflect seasonal changes with significantly higher discharge recorded in June/July after the rainy season but by November it is much reduced as the dry season comes to an end.
At well over 3200m asl the DO readings at RT09A fall within the range to be expected.
The measurements for conductivity and total solids are slightly on the high side and may reflect the fact that this site lies below a more significant settlement - the small town of Alis. Sewage outfall and other pollutants from domestic waste may enter the channel here. However, despite this the readings for water quality are still good.
Average pH readings of above 8.0 are as expected. At these levels the alkalinity of the river is suitable for aquatic life.
Site Description
Sites RT09A lies in the arid temperate zone just below the small town of Alis at 3231m asl. It is located in the temperate zone in a narrow canyon. This being produced by rapid downcutting through a highly fractured upfold. The valley at this point is v-shaped with high sections of cliffs lining the valley. Above this point the valley widens out at the site of the settlement of Alis. The bed load in the river channel is comprised of fluvio-glacial boulders, gravels, and sands. The river flow in the Rio Alis is year-round, despite having been reduced by significant abstraction to supply the village of Alis.
There is limited agricultural cultivation. Historically, the terraced valleys would have been cultivated more intensively. Changes in agricultural production reflecting population decline in both the early period of Hispanic colonisation and, more recently, rural out-migration. There is limited pastoralism and field rotation employed for the production of potatoes and quinua.
The riverbanks are dominated by riparian scrub and small alders with stands of Eucalypts. Above the uneven flood-plain valley sides are dominated by arid scrub and relictual pacific woodlands in sheltered ravines. This site displays a fauna and flora typical of temperate elevations.
Chiguanco Thrush, House Wren and Hooded Siskin bird species remain. Cream-winged and White-winged Cinclodes, Striated Earthcreeper, Peruvian Sierra Finch, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Band-tailed and Plain-coloured Seedeaters, and Black-throated Flowerpiercer are common here.
Tributary 09 - the Alis subcatchment. (Eustace Barnes)
Site RT09A - the study site location just below the town of Alis. (John Forrest)
Site RT09A - the study site. (John Forrest)
Site RT09A - View downstream from the study site. (John Forrest)
Site RT09A - View upstream from the study site. (John Forrest)