Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Isoscapes pp 195–219Cite as

Comprehensive Dynamical Models of Global and Regional Water Isotope Distributions

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Water isotope tracers can be included in comprehensive atmospheric models and can provide deeper insight to isotope distributions than simple physically-based isotope models or statistical methods because of their ability to resolve the underlying processes of interest. Within such models, isotope tracers follow normal “prognostic” water, and differ only in that fractionation is applied during surface evaporation and transpiration, cloud condensation processes, exchange between falling raindrops and environmental air, and when there are any extra water sources. The details of the mass balance that underlies modeling isotopes and the key processes can be represented in models are examined to illuminate how it is the compilation of many simple aspects which give rise to a comprehensive model. One particular advantage of dynamical isotope models is their ability to account for mixing of air masses by resolved larger-scale transport and by smaller scale parameterized turbulence. While the output from comprehensive dynamical isotope models is useful for subsequent applications, adequate accounting for model error is needed. In the past, few observations have been available to validate isotopic models, especially for vapor which is the model state variable of importance, and validating models remains a limitation. Nonetheless, comprehensive models are valuable in mapping water isotope distributions in vapor and precipitation. They are also well suited to diagnostic studies in which model sensitivity tests expose the physical basis for the final isotopic signal. This type of analysis is invaluable in guiding the interpretation of isotopic observations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Strictly the isotope ratio is the mole ratio of heavy to light isotopes, so one should use volume mixing ratio, which differs only by a constant (ratio of molecular weight of air and the vapor).

  2. 2.

    Consider the inequality that results from simplest one-dimensional centered finite difference approximation to Eq. (10.4):

    $ \frac{u}{{2\Delta x}}\left({q_i^{+} - q_i^{-} } \right) \ne \frac{u}{{2\Delta x}}\left[ {\frac{q_i}{q}\left({{q^{+} } - {q^{-} }} \right) + q\left({\frac{q_i^{+}}{q^{+}} - \frac{q_i^{-}}{q^{-}}} \right)} \right] $

    where the subscripts + and – denote values evaluated as some position x + Δx and x − Δx, and values without subscripts are evaluated at position x. The error that leads to the inequality is a result of the order of the finite approximation, and the size of the error can be as large as the isotope variations of interest in cases where the changes in q are large relative to q.

References

  • Bonan GB (1994) Comparison of 2 land-surface process models using prescribed forcings. J Geophys Res-Atmos 99:25803–25818

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonan GB, Davis KJ, Baldocchi D, Fitzjarrald D, Neumann H (1997) Comparison of the NCAR LSM1 land surface model with BOREAS aspen and jack pine tower fluxes. J Geophys Res-Atmos 102:29065–29075

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bony S, Risi C, Vimeux F 2008, Influence of convective processes on the isotopic composition (δ18O and δD) of precipitation and water vapor in the tropics: 1. Radiative-convective equilibrium and Tropical Ocean-Global Atmosphere-Coupled Ocean Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA-COARE) simulations, J. Geophys Res. doi:10.1029/2008JD009942

    Google Scholar 

  • Bosilovich MG, Schubert SD (2002) Water vapor tracers as diagnostics of the regional hydrologic cycle. J Hydrometeorol 3:149–165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown J, Simmonds I, Noone D (2006) Modeling delta O-18 in tropical precipitation and the surface ocean for present-day climate. J Geophys Res-Atmos 111:D05105. doi:10.1029/2004JD005611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buenning N, Noone D 2009: An evaluation of annual mean and seasonal timing of local and non-local processes controlling the isotopic composition of precipitation from observations and comprehensive models. Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, Submitted, May, 2009

    Google Scholar 

  • Cappa CD, Hendricks MB, DePaolo DJ, Cohen RC (2003) Isotopic fractionation of water during evaporation. J Geophys Res-Atmos 108:4525. doi:4510.1029/2003JD003597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charles CD, Rind D, Healy R, Webb R (2001) Tropical cooling and the isotopic composition of precipitation in general circulation model simulations of the ice age climate. Clim Dyn 17:489–502

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ciais P, Jouzel J (1994) Deuterium and oxygen 18 in precipitation: an isotopic model including mixed cloud processes. J. Geophys Res 99:19783–16803

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cole JE, Rind D, Webb RS, Jouzel J, Healy R (1999) Climatic controls on interannual variability of precipitation δ18O: simulated influence of temperature, precipitation amount, and vapor source region. J Geophys Res 104:14223–14235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Craig H, Gordon LI (1965) Deuterium and oxygen-18 variations in the ocean and marine atmosphere. In: Tongiorgi E (ed) Proceedings of conference on stable isotopes in oceanic studies and paleotemperatures. Laboratory of Geology and Nuclear Science, Spoleto, Italy, pp 9–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Dansgaard W (1964) Stable isotopes in precipitation. Tellus 16:436–468

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dongmann G, Nürnberg HW, Förstel H, Wagener K (1974) On the enrichment of H2 18O in the leaves of transpiring plants. Radiat Environ Biophys 11:41–52

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Federer B, Brichet N, Jouzel J (1982) Stable isotopes in hailstones. Part I: the isotopic cloud model. J Atmos Sci 39:1323–1336

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gedzelman SD, Arnold R (1994) Modeling the isotopic composition of precipitation. J. Geophys Res 99:10455–10471

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Helliker B, Noone D (2009) Novel approaches to monitoring of water vapor isotope ratios: plants, satellites and lasers. In: West, J.B.; Bowen, G.J.; Dawson, T.E.; Tu, K.P. (Eds.) 2010, ISBN: 978-90-481-3353-6. Isoscapes: understanding movement, pattern, and process on Earth through isotope mapping. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann G (1995) Wasserisotope im allgemeinen Zirkulationsmodell ECHAM. Universitat Hamburg, Hamburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann G, Heimann M (1997) Water isotope modeling in the Asian monsoon region. Quart Int 37:115–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann G, Jouzel J, Masson V (2000) Stable water isotopes in atmospheric general circulation models. Hydol Process 14:1385–1406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann G, Werner M, Heimann M (1998) Water isotope module of the ECHAM atmospheric general circulation model: a study on timescales from days to several years. J Geophys Res 103:16871–16896

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Joussaume S (1983) Mod`elisation des cycles des especes isotopiques de l’eau et des aerosols d’origine de’esertique dans un modele de circulation generale de l’atmosphere. Univeristy of Paris, Paris, France

    Google Scholar 

  • Joussaume S (1993) Paleoclimate tracers: an investigation using an atmospheric general circulation model and ice age conditions. 1. Desert dust. J Geophys Res 98:2767–2805

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joussaume S, Jouzel J (1993) Paleoclimatic tracers: an investigation using an atmospheric general circulation model under ice age conditions. 2. Water isotopes. J Geophys Res 98:2807–2830

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Joussaume S, Jouzel J, Sadourny R (1984) A general circulation model of water isotope cycles in the atmosphere. Nature 311:24–29

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jouzel J (1986) Isotopes in cloud physics: multistep and multistage processes. In: Fritz P, Frontes JC (eds) Handbook of environmental isotope geochemistry, vol.2, The terrestrial environment B. Elsevier, New York, pp 61–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Jouzel J, Koster RD, Suozzo RJ, Russel GL, White JW, Broecker WS (1991) Simulations of the HDO and H 182 O atmospheric cycles using the NASA GISS general circulation model: sensitivity experiments for present day conditions. J Geophys Res 96:7495–7507

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jouzel J, Merlivat L (1984) Deuterium and oxygen 18 in precipitation, modelling of the isotopic effects during snow formation. J Geophys Res 89:11749–11757

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jouzel J, Russell GL, Suozzo RJ, Koster RF, White JWC, Broecker WS (1987) Simulation of the HDO and H 182 O atmospheric cycles using the NASA GISS general circulation model: the seasonal cycle for present-day conditions. J Geophys Res 92:14739–14760

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koster R, Jouzel J, Suozzo R, Russell G (1986) Global sources of local precipitation as determined by the NASA/GISS GCM. Geophys Res Lett 13:121–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koster RD, DPd V, Jouzel J (1993) Continental water recycling and H 182 O concentrations. Geophys Res Lett 20:2215–2218

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence JR, Gedzelman SD, Zhang X, Arnold R (1998) Stable isotope ratios of rain and vapor in 1995 hurricanes. J Geophys Res 103:11381–11400

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee JE (2005) Atmospheric water: perspectives from isotopes and the NCAR climate model. University of California, Berkeley, CA, p 162

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee JE, Fung I (2008) “Amount effect” of water isotopes and quantitative analysis of post-condensation processes. Hydrol Process 22:1–8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee JE, Fung I, DePaolo DJ, Henning CC (2007) Analysis of the global distribution of water isotopes using the NCAR atmospheric general circulation model. J Geophys Res-Atmos 112:D16306. doi:16310.11029/12006JD007657

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin SJ, Rood RB (1996) Multidimensional flux-form semi-Lagrangian transport schemes. Mon Weather Rev 124:2046–2070

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathieu R, Pollard D, Cole JE, White JWC, Webb RS, Thompson SL (2002) Simulation of stable water isotope variations by the GENESIS GCM for present-day conditions. J Geophys Res 107. doi:10.1029/2001JD900255

  • McCarthy MC et al (2004) The hydrogen isotopic composition of water vapor entering the stratosphere inferred from high-precision measurements of δ D-CH4 and δ D-H2. J Geophys Res-Atmos 109:D07304. doi:07310.01029/02003JD004003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merlivat L, Jouzel J (1979) Global climatic interpretation of the deuterium-oxygen-18 relationship for precipitation. J Geophys Res 84:5029–5033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Numaguti, A. (1999), Origin and recycling processes of precipitating water over the Eurasian continent: Experiments using an atmospheric general circulation model, J. Geophys. Res., 104, 19571972

    Google Scholar 

  • Noone D (2003) Water isotopes in CCSM for studying water cycles in the climate system. Eighth annual CCSM workshop, Breckenridge, CO

    Google Scholar 

  • Noone D (2006) Isotopic composition of water vapor modeled by constraining global climate simulations with reanalyes. In: Cote J (ed) Research activities in atmospheric and oceanic modelling. World Meteorological Organization, pp 2–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Noone D (2009) An isotopic evaluation of the factors controlling low humidity air in the troposphere. J Clim (in review, June 2008)

    Google Scholar 

  • Noone D, Simmonds I (2002a) Annular variations in moisture transport mechanisms and the abundance of δ18O in Antarctic snow. J Geophys Res-Atmos 107:4742. doi:4710.1029/2002JD002262

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noone D, Simmonds I (2002b) Associations between δ O-18 of water and climate parameters in a simulation of atmospheric circulation for 1979–95. J Clim 15:3150–3169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noone D, Still C, Riley W (2002) A global biophysical model of 18O in terrestrial water and CO2 fluxes. In: Ritchie H (ed) Research activities in atmospheric and oceanic modelling. World Meteorological Organization, pp 4.19–14.20

    Google Scholar 

  • Noone DC (2001) A physical assessment of variability and climate signals in Antarctic precipitation and the stable water isotope record. Ph.D. thesis, School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, p 404

    Google Scholar 

  • Prather M (1986) Numerical advection by conservation of second-order moments. J Geophys Res 91:6671–6681

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riley WJ, Still CJ, Torn MS, Berry JA (2002) A mechanistic model of (H2 18O) and (C18OO) fluxes between ecosystems and the atmosphere: model description and sensitivity analyses. Global Biogeochem Cycles 16:1095. doi:1010.1029/2002GB001878

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Risi C, Bony S, Vimeux F (2008) Influence of convective processes on the isotopic composition (δ18O and δD) of precipitation and atmospheric water in the tropics 2. physical interpretation of the amount effect. J Geophys Res 113, D19309, doi:10.1029/2008ID009943

    Google Scholar 

  • Rozanski K, Araguas-Araguas L, Gonfiantini R (1993) Isotopic patterns in modern global precipitation. In: Swart PK, Lohmann KC, McKenzie J, Savin S (eds) Climate change in continental isotopic records. Geophysical Monograph Series. No. 78, American Geophysical Union, Washington, pp 1–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt GA, Hoffmann G, Shindell DT, Hu Y (2005) Modelling atmospheric stable water isotopes and the potential for constraining cloud processes and stratosphere–troposphere water exchange. J Geophys Res 110:D21314. doi:21310.21029/22005JD005790

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt GA, LeGrande AN, Hoffmann G (2007) Water isotope expressions of intrinsic and forced variability in a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. J Geophys Res-Atmos 112, D10103. doi:10.1029/2006JD007781

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith JA, Ackerman AS, Jensen EJ, Toon OB (2006) Role of deep convection in establishing the isotopic composition of water vapor in the tropical transition layer. Geophys Res Lett 33:L06812. doi:06810.01029/02005GL024078

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart MK (1975) Stable isotope fractionation due to evaporation and isotopic exchange of falling waterdrops: applications to atmospheric processes and evaporation of lakes. J Geophys Res 80:1133–1146

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Still CJ, Riley WJ, Birand SC, Noone D, Buenning NH, Randerson JT, Torn MS, Welker J, White JWC, Vachon R, Farquhar GD, Berry JA (2009) The influence of clouds and diffuse radiation on ecosystem-atmosphere CO2 and C18OO exchanges. Journal of Geophysycal Research-Biogeosciences, 114, G01018, doi:10.1029/2008JG000675

    Google Scholar 

  • Sturm C, Langmann B, Hoffmann G, Stichler W (2005) Stable water isotopes in precipitation: a regional circulation modelling approach. Hydrol Process 19:doi: 10.1002/hyp5979

  • Sturm C, Hoffmann G, Langmann B (2007a) Simulation of the stable water isotopes in precipitation over South America: comparing regional to global circulation models. J Clim 20:3730–3750

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sturm C, Vimeux F, Krinner G (2007b) Intraseasonal variability in South America recorded in stable water isotopes. J Geophys Res-Atmos 112:D20118. doi:20110.21029/22006JD008298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sturm K (2005) Regional modelling of the stable water isotope cycle. Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble

    Google Scholar 

  • Vuille M et al. (2003) Modeling delta O-18 in precipitation over the tropical Americas: 2. Simulation of the stable isotope signal in Andean ice cores. J Geophys Res-Atmos 108. doi:10.1029/2001JD002039

    Google Scholar 

  • Webster CR, Heymsfield AJ (2003) Water isotope ratios D/H, 18O/16, 17O/16O in and out of clouds map dehydration pathways. Science 302:1742–1745

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Werner M, Heimann M (2002) Modeling interannual variability of water isotopes in Greenland and Antarctica. J Geophys Res-Atmos 107:4001. doi:4010.1029/2001JD900253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Werner M, Heimann M, Hoffmann G (2001) Isotopic composition and origin of polar precipitation in present and glacial climate simulations. Tellus 53B:53–71

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williamson DL, Rasch PJ (1989) Two-dimensional semi-Lagrangian transport with shape preserving interpolation. Mon Weather Rev 117:102–129

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Worden J, Noone D, Bowman K (2007) Importance of rain evaporation and continental convection in the tropical water cycle. Nature 445:528–532

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshimura, K., T. Oki, N. Ohte, and S. Kanae, 2003: A quantitative analysis of short-term 18O variability with a Rayleigh-type isotope circulation model. J. Geophys. Res., 108(D20), 4647, doi:10.1029/2003JD003477

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoshimura K, Kanamitsu M, Noone D, Oki T (2008) Historical isotope simulation using reanalysis atmospheric data. J Geophys Res 113:D19108. doi:10.1029/2008JD010074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yung YL, Miller CE (1997) Isotopic fractionation of stratospheric nitrous oxide. Science 278:1778–1780

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA

    David Noone

  2. Bert Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Institute for Geology and Geochemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

    Christophe Sturm

Authors
  1. David Noone
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christophe Sturm
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Noone .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Texas A&M University System, Garner Field Rd. 1619, Uvalde, 78801, U.S.A.

    Jason B. West

  2. Dept. Earth & Atmospheric Science, Purdue University, Stadium Mall Drive 550, West Lafayette, 47907-2051, U.S.A.

    Gabriel J. Bowen

  3. Dept. Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, 94720, U.S.A.

    Todd E. Dawson

  4. Dept. Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, 94720, U.S.A.

    Kevin P. Tu

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Noone, D., Sturm, C. (2010). Comprehensive Dynamical Models of Global and Regional Water Isotope Distributions. In: West, J., Bowen, G., Dawson, T., Tu, K. (eds) Isoscapes. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3354-3_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation