Charcoal counts, stable isotopes, and elemental chemistry of particulate materials after the 2020 CZU Wildfire

Metadata also available as - [Outline] - [Parseable text] - [XML]

Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Charcoal counts, stable isotopes, and elemental chemistry of particulate materials after the 2020 CZU Wildfire
Abstract:
After the CZU Wildfire in August 2020, stream sediment (7 burned, 1 unburned drainages), airborne ash, in situ ash, and regolith were collected from August 2020 to August 2023 to characterize wildfire effects. Solid-phase parameters include sand-sized charcoal counts, total carbon (TC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), total organic carbon (TOC), bulk stable carbon 13/12 isotope ratios (d13C), bulk stable nitrogen 15/14 isotope ratios (d15N), and concentrations of 60 elements in the less than 63 micron fine fraction.
Supplemental_Information:
Additional information about the field activity from which these data were derived is available online at: https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2020-638-FA Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Takesue, Renee K., Hallas, Leticia P., and East, Amy E., 20251211, Charcoal counts, stable isotopes, and elemental chemistry of particulate materials after the 2020 CZU Wildfire: data release DOI: 10.5066/P13QWYFV, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Takesue, Renee K., Hallas, Leticia P., Campbell-Swarzenski, Pamela L., Prouty, Nancy G., and East, Amy E., 2025, Compositions of ash, soil, sediment, water, and biota after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Wildfire, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA: data release DOI:10.5066/P13QWYFV, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Suggested Citation: Takesue, R.K., Hallas, L.P., Campbell-Swarzenski, P.L., Prouty, N.G., and East, A.E., 2025, Compositions of ash, soil, sediment, water, and biota after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Wildfire, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P13QWYFV
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.3958
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.0299
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.3259
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 35.4568
  3. What does it look like?
    pic_LittleCreek.JPG (JPEG)
    Left bank of Little Creek five months after the 2020 CZU Wildfire.
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 11-Sep-2020
    Ending_Date: 13-Mar-2025
    Currentness_Reference:
    Airborne ashes were collected up to one month post-fire. Stream sediments were collected after first flush, high flow, and low flow conditions for three years post-fire. In situ ashes were collected at 6-month intervals for three years post-fire.
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: comma-delimited text
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Point (211)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is D_WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS84.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.2572.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    CZUparticulates_charcoal_isotopes_elements_data.csv
    Table of data. -9999 indicates not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    LabID
    Unique sample identifier for the CZU Wildfire Project (CZU) with sample type abbreviations: SED, stream sediment; RGTH, regolith; HVAC, intake vent filter on the roof of PCMSC; CONTROL, unburnt forest; ASH, wildfire ash; MIX, mixture of ash and soil; SOIL, soil below the ash layer. (Source: Producer defined) Unique alphanumeric field sample identifier
    SiteID_Loc_Period
    Unique sample identifier assigned during field collection based on the Site (SiteID), location within the site (Loc) if relevant, and period of collection (Period). Abbreviations: VIC, San Vicente Creek; LIT, Little Creek; BIG, Big Creek; MIL, Mill Creek; SCO, Scott Creek; WAD, Waddell Creek; GAZ, Gazos Creek; BUT, Butano Creek; PESC, Pescadero Creek; GREG, San Gregorio Creek; LAST, Last Chance Creek; BERRY, Berry Creek; CLE, Clear Creek basin; JAM, Jamison Creek basin; LOCK, Lockheed gate; EAG, Eagle Mountain trail head; Y1, Year 1 from August 2020 to July 2021; Y2, Year 2 from August 2021 to July 2022; Y3, Year 3 from August 2022 to August 2023; PF, pre-flush; FF, first flush; HF, high flow; LF, low flow; AC, roof-top HVAC unit and number; AG, ash collected by Amy Gartman; RT, ash collected by Renee Takesue; mo, months.; DUP, duplicate. (Source: Producer defined) Unique alphanumeric field sample identifier
    Date_collected
    Date the sample was collected, in mm/dd/yy (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:08/19/20
    Maximum:08/16/23
    Units:mm/dd/yy
    Resolution:1
    Latitude_WGS84
    Latitude where the sample was collected relative to geodetic datum WGS84. (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:35.4568
    Maximum:37.3259
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:0.0001
    Longitude_WGS84
    Longitude where the sample was collected relative to geodetic datum WGS84. (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-122.3958
    Maximum:-122.0299
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:0.0001
    Charcoal_count
    Number of charcoal particles greater than or equal to 0.125 mm in diameter per one-quarter teaspoon of stream sediment. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4
    Maximum:663
    Units:particle
    Resolution:1
    Total_Carbon
    Total carbon (TC) content determined by coulometry. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.32
    Maximum:14.16
    Units:percent by weight
    Resolution:0.01
    Total_Inorganic_Carbon
    Total inorganic carbon (TIC) content determined by coulometry. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:5.29
    Units:percent by weight
    Resolution:0.01
    Total_Organic_Carbon
    Total organic carbon (TOC) content determined by subtraction of TIC from TOC. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.29
    Maximum:12.14
    Units:percent by weight
    Resolution:0.01
    d13C_bulk
    Ratio of carbon 13/12 stable isotopes in bulk sedimentary organic matter; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-31.70
    Maximum:-24.81
    Units:standard per mil notation
    Resolution:0.01
    d13C_TC
    Total carbon (TC) determined by elemental analyzer in the measurement of d13C. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.32
    Maximum:38.76
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    d15N_bulk
    Ratio of carbon 13/12 stable isotopes in bulk sedimentary organic matter; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.07
    Maximum:5.21
    Units:standard per mil notation
    Resolution:0.01
    d15N_TN
    Total nitrogen (TN) determined by elemental analyzer in the measurement of d15N. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.02
    Maximum:0.92
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    GGGSC_JobID
    Unique laboratory identifier assigned to a batch of samples by the GGGSC Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined) Unique alphanumeric batch identifier
    GGGSC_SampleID
    Unique laboratory identifier assigned to each sample by the GGGSC Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined) Unique alphanumeric batch identifier
    Hg_by_CVAA
    Total mercury (Hg) content analyzed by cold vapor atomic absorption (CVAA) in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.012
    Maximum:0.710
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.001
    Al_by_fusion
    Aluminum (Al) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.45
    Maximum:12.20
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    Ca_by_fusion
    Calcium (Ca) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.10
    Maximum:30.10
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    Fe_by_fusion
    Iron (Fe) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.80
    Maximum:12.30
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    K_by_fusion
    Potassium (K) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.90
    Maximum:5.93
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    Mg_by_fusion
    Magnesium (Mg) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.14
    Maximum:3.55
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    Na_by_multi-acid
    Sodium (Na) content of multi-acid digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.09
    Maximum:2.25
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    P_by_fusion
    Phosphorus (P) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.03
    Maximum:1.26
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    S_by_fusion
    Sulfur (S) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:1.1
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.1
    Si_by_fusion
    Silica (Si) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:6.9
    Maximum:38.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.1
    Ti_by_fusion
    Titanium (Ti) content of fused, digested sediment; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.12
    Maximum:1.24
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.01
    Ag_by_multi-acid
    Silver (Ag) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.01
    Maximum:1.62
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    As_by_multi-acid
    Arsenic (As) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:50
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Ba_by_multi-acid
    Barium (Ba) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:274
    Maximum:2710
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Be_by_multi-acid
    Beryllium (Be) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.28
    Maximum:2.74
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Bi_by_multi-acid
    Bismuth (Bi) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.03
    Maximum:0.64
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Cd_by_multi-acid
    Cadmium (Cd) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.06
    Maximum:6.73
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Ce_by_fusion
    Cerium (Ce) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:12.5
    Maximum:115.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Co_by_multi-acid
    Cobalt (Co) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.7
    Maximum:33.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Cr_by_fusion
    Chromium (Cr) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3
    Maximum:754
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Cs_by_multi-acid
    Cesium (Cs) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.49
    Maximum:9.41
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Cu_by_multi-acid
    Copper (Cu) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.6
    Maximum:220.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Dy_by_fusion
    Dysprosium (Dy) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.09
    Maximum:10.70
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Er_by_fusion
    Erbium (Er) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.51
    Maximum:5.70
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Eu_by_fusion
    Europium (Eu) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.23
    Maximum:2.86
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Ga_by_multi-acid
    Gallium (Ga) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.8
    Maximum:31.9
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Gd_by_fusion
    Gadolinium (Gd) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.03
    Maximum:11.10
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Ge_by_fusion
    Germanium (Ge) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:7
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Hf_by_fusion
    Hafnium (Hf) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:71
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Ho_by_fusion
    Holmium (Ho) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.16
    Maximum:2.04
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    In_by_multi-acid
    Indium (In) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.013
    Maximum:0.114
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.001
    La_by_fusion
    Lanthanum (La) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:6.5
    Maximum:63.3
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Li_by_multi-acid
    Lithium (Li) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:8.0
    Maximum:73.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Lu_by_fusion
    Lutetium (Lu) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.07
    Maximum:1.15
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Mn_by_multi-acid
    Manganese (Mn) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:31
    Maximum:8310
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Mo_by_multi-acid
    Molybdenum (Mo) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.83
    Maximum:14.60
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Nb_by_fusion
    Niobium (Nb) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2.8
    Maximum:27.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Nd_by_fusion
    Neodymium (Nd) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:5.2
    Maximum:55.9
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Ni_by_fusion
    Nickel (Ni) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:5
    Maximum:182
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Pb_by_multi-acid
    Lead (Pb) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:7.1
    Maximum:780
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Pr_by_fusion
    Praseodymium (Pr) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.62
    Maximum:14.50
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Rb_by_multi-acid
    Rubidium (Rb) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:37.9
    Maximum:154.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Sb_by_multi-acid
    Antimony (Sb) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.21
    Maximum:8.35
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Sc_by_multi-acid
    Scandium (Sc) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2.3
    Maximum:29.8
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Sm_by_fusion
    Samarium (Sm) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.2
    Maximum:12.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Sn_by_multi-acid
    Tin (Sn) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:43
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Sr_by_multi-acid
    Strontium (Sr) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:55
    Maximum:2300
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Ta_by_multi-acid
    Tantalum (Ta) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.19
    Maximum:2.49
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Tb_by_fusion
    Terbium (Tb) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.15
    Maximum:1.85
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Te_by_multi-acid
    Tellurium (Te) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.01
    Maximum:1.77
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Th_by_fusion
    Thorium (Th) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.9
    Maximum:18.8
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Tl_by_multi-acid
    Thallium (Tl) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.17
    Maximum:1.79
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    Tm_by_fusion
    Thulium (Tm) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.08
    Maximum:0.85
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    U_by_fusion
    Uranium (U) content of fused, digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.12
    Maximum:15.00
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.01
    V_by_multi-acid
    Vanadium (V) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:22
    Maximum:188
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    W_by_multi-acid
    Tungsten (W) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.2
    Maximum:5.3
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Y_by_fusion
    Yttrium (Y) content of fused digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:5.1
    Maximum:61.0
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Yb_by_fusion
    Ytterbium (Yb) content of fused digested sediment in units of mg per kg (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.5
    Maximum:6.2
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:0.1
    Zn_by_multi-acid
    Zinc (Zn) content of multi-acid digested sediment in units of mg per kg; -9999=not determined (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:26
    Maximum:2540
    Units:milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg)
    Resolution:1
    Zr_by_fusion
    Zirconium (Zr) content of the fused, digested sediment in units of weight percent (percent) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:58
    Maximum:2352
    Units:weight percent (percent)
    Resolution:1
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: The first line of the csv file is a header line.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Renee K. Takesue
    • Leticia P. Hallas
    • Amy E. East
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    Angela Tan analyzed total carbon, total inorganic carbon, and total organic carbon contents at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Sediment and Carbon Laboratory. Ratios of stable isotopes of carbon 13/12, and of total carbon to total nitrogen were measured at the Washington State University Core Stable Isotope Lab. Elemental compositions were determined by the Analytical Chemistry Project of the USGS Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC).
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

Ash, soil, and sediment were collected and characterized immediately post-wildfire to quantify potential environmental and public hazards from wildfire-related chemicals. Repeated collections at regular intervals over three years showed temporal changes of in situ wildfire-related properties or changes related to transport of wildfire materials in coastal watersheds and streams. Airborne wildfire particulates were collected downwind in Santa Cruz up to one month post-fire. Sediment provenance in Scott Creek watershed and three of its tributaries was determined from geochemical fingerprinting of granitic rocks on Ben Lomond Mountain. In combination, these parameters show how the chemistry of hillslope soil and stream sediment of forested watersheds and streams were affected by wildfire and how recovery progressed over three years.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 16-Aug-2023 (process 1 of 5)
    SAMPLE COLLECTION. Stream sediment was collected by hand from recently deposited fine-grained material on stream banks and stored in wire-top polyethylene bags. Charcoal samples were collected in duplicate or triplicate in sandy material on the stream bank using a one-quarter teaspoon scoop and stored in falcon vials. Ash, soil, and mixed samples were collected from undisturbed forest sites by hand, stored in combusted 500 milliliter glass jars, and sieved to remove particles greater than 2 mm in diameter.
    Date: 03-Aug-2022 (process 2 of 5)
    CHARCOAL COUNTS. Sediment was gently agitated with bleach at room temperature for two hours without changing particle sizes. Stainless steel sieves were used to separate particles greater than or equal to 0.125 mm in diameter. The retained particles were rinsed in a water bath. Particles were transferred to a petri dish and dried completely at 45 degrees Celsius. Charcoal particles were counted under a stereo-microscope.
    Date: 13-Mar-2025 (process 3 of 5)
    CARBON CONTENTS. Carbon analysis was performed at the PCMSC Carbon Laboratory by combustion, acidification, and coulometric detection using a UIC CM5015 Coulometer. Approximately 1 gram of sediment was dried overnight at 80 degrees Celsius and pulverized by hand in a mortar and pestle. 20 milligrams of sediment for total carbon (TC) were combusted at 950 degrees Celsius (UIC CM 5230 furnace) and quantified with a coulometric titration. 20 milligrams of sediment for total inorganic carbon (TIC) were digested with perchloric acid (UIC CM 5130 acid digester) and quantified with a coulometric titration. Total organic carbon (TOC) was calculated as the difference between TC and TIC. Average values of process duplicates are reported. Person who carried out this activity:
    Angela Tan
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Physical Scientist
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-460-7409 (voice)
    atan@usgs.gov
    Date: 05-Jan-2022 (process 4 of 5)
    STABLE ISOTOPE RATIOS OF CARBON 13/12 (d13C) and NITROGEN 15/14 (d15N). Bulk sedimentary d13C and d15N were determined at the Washington State University Stable Isotope Core Laboratory using an elemental analyzer (Costech Analytical) interfaced with a Delta PlusXP isotope ratio mass spectrometer using a Santrock correction (ThermoFinnegan). Ratios of d13C ratios were referenced to the Vienna PeeDeeBelemnite (VBPD) using NBS 19 and LSVEC as anchor points. Ratios of d15N were referenced to air. Person who carried out this activity:
    Benjamin Harlow
    Washington State University School of Biological Sciences
    Manager, Stable Isotope Core Laboratory
    367 Eastlick
    Pullman, WA

    509-335-6154 (voice)
    bharlow@wsu.edu
    Date: 05-Jan-2025 (process 5 of 5)
    ELEMENTAL CHEMISTRY. Bulk sediment was oven-dried at 60 degrees Celsius and disaggregated gently with a mortar and pestle to avoid changing grain sizes. Disaggregated sediment was dry-sieved through stainless steel sieves to obtain 2 grams of the less than 0.063 millimeter fine fraction. Fine sediments were sent to the Analytical Chemistry Project of the USGS Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC), which contracted AGAT and SGS Labs, both nationally accredited, for analyses of major, minor, and trace element contents using two methods: a near-total four-acid digestion (labeled multi-acid in the table of data) and a total digestion with a sodium peroxide fusion (labeled fusion in the table of data) for elements hosted in acid-resistant minerals. Quantification was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) for major and some minor elements and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) for some minor and all trace elements. Person who carried out this activity:
    Jaime Azain
    USGS Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
    Research Geologist
    Denver Federal Center, Bldg 20
    Denver, CO

    303-236-9376 (voice)
    jsazain@usgs.gov
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    For charcoal counts, relative standard deviations (RSD) of 31 field-based triplicate samples ranged from 6 to 115 percent with a mean RSD of 35 percent and a median RSD of 28 percent. For carbon contents, process duplicates were run for every sample and were within 15 percent. For stable isotope ratios, standard external reference materials and long-term internal reference materials were included in every run; 2-sigma uncertainties were 0.5 per mil. For elemental chemistry, GGGSC checked QA/QC for standard reference materials and long-term internal reference materials for every batch (job). The percent recoveries for elements were within 15 percent of reference values.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    A Garmin handheld GPS (model GPSmap 78sc) reported a horizontal accuracy of 3 meters. However, Garmin cites the actual accuracy as 5 to 15 meters.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Charcoal was counted only in stream sediment. Carbon contents and stable isotope ratios were not measured in regolith.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    No formal logical accuracy tests were conducted.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints No access constraints
Use_Constraints USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator(s) of the dataset and in products derived from these data.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - CMGDS
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    1-831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? These data are available in csv format (CZUparticulates_charcoal_isotopes_elements_data.csv), accompanied by CSDGM FGDC compliant metadata and a map showing sample locations.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
    • Availability in digital form:
      Data format: File contains the csv table and the associated metadata. in format comma-delimited text Size: 0.0807
      Network links: https://doi.org/10.5066/P13QWYFV
    • Cost to order the data: None.

  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    These data can be viewed with any text reader.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 11-Dec-2025
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)
pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/DataReleases/CMGDS_DR_tool/DR_P13QWYFV/CZUparticulates_charcoal_isotopes_elements_metadata.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Fri Feb 20 14:10:24 2026