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Variation in isotopic composition of precipitation with identification of vapor source using deuterium excess as tool

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Abstract

The stable isotopic contents of precipitation and deuterium excess (d-excess) data justified the hypothesis that two distinct vapor sources are responsible for precipitation at Tarbela. Summer vapor source from Bay of Bengal/Arabian Sea is characterized by low d-excess (≤ 10) and enriched isotopic values are due to high evaporation rate at source. δ18O and δ2H approaches 1 and 14‰ respectively in summer with d-excess 6‰.Winter vapor source is from Mediterranean Sea. Depleted isotopic values due to low evaporation rate at source are characterized by high d-excess values (≥ 16‰). δ18O and δ2H approaches − 9.8 and − 62‰ respectively with d-excess 17‰.

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Acknowledgements

The present investigation was carried out within the framework of National project PINST 116. Sincere thanks are due to Dr. Azam Tasneem and Mr. Zahid Latif. Ex. Heads Isotope Application Division for the guidance/suggestions provided during the technical discussions and for facilitating this study. The co-operation of WAPDA at Tarbela, PCRWR and Meteorological Department for collection of samples and provision of data is highly appreciated. Efforts of the colleagues at Isotope Application Division, PINSTECH for analysis of samples are thankfully acknowledged.

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  1. Isotope Application Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, Nilore, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Fariha Malik, Saira Butt & Nouman Mujahid

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  1. Fariha Malik
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  2. Saira Butt
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  3. Nouman Mujahid
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Correspondence to Fariha Malik.

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Malik, F., Butt, S. & Mujahid, N. Variation in isotopic composition of precipitation with identification of vapor source using deuterium excess as tool. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 683–690 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-08136-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-08136-6

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