Prior to the early 1980's, the only other pesticide studies included some work on DDT and its effects on peregrine falcons. In the early 90's a graduate student from UC Davis did work on the atmospheric transport of organophosphates from the valley to the Sierra Nevada. Two other students followed with a different angle on methodology and seasonal variation. Sampling occurred from December to March, 1990-91. Jack's findings indicate that atmospheric transport of pesticides applied in the valley to the Sierra Nevada mountains is occurring.
Levels decrease as distance and elevation increase from the valley floor.
Linda's study examined the processes of dilution, degradation and sorption to plant foliage of organophosphate pesticides during the summertime in an air corridor in the San Joaquin Valley and moving into the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. Her study deducted that for airborne organophosphate insecticides, foliar deposition is a significant summertime fate process, along with atmospheric degradation and dilution. This project is ongoing. They are currently studying the effects of air pollution and how it possibly contributes to the decline of Sierran amphibians. This project is ongoing.