The effect of changing climate and N deposition on montane ecosystems is a topic of considerable importance. Mountains are vulnerable environments and their ecosystems are often in a delicate balance. An application of the INCA-N model is presented to simulate current-day nitrate dynamics in a Scottish mountain lake and to project the possible future effects of climate change and reductions in N deposition on lake nitrate concentration ([NO3−]). The INCA-N model is calibrated using data from 1996–2006 in an attempt to determine the controls on [NO3−] in Lochnagar and process sensitivities to changing climate. Predictions were sensitive to hydrologic, vegetation-related and in-soil processes. Over the longer term, surface water [NO3−] in this mountain ecosystem is expected to increase. From 2020 to 2100, when N deposition is modelled at a constant rate, warmer temperature exerts a stronger effect on N losses to the lake surface than the N deposition. While the effects of a warming climate are projected to lead to increased surface water [NO3−], concentrations are not projected to either return to, or exceed, historical levels.
UV absorption reveals mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in Tatra mountain lake phytoplankton**This paper was carried out within the framework of the SatBałtyk project funded by the European Union through European Regional Development Fund, (contract No. POIG.01.01.02-22-011/09 entitled ‘The Satellite Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Environment’). Partial support for this study was also provided by the MNiSW (Ministry of Science and Higher Education) as research project N N306 066434 in 2008–2011 and also as part of the statutory Research of the Pomeranian University and IO PAN.