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Relationships between δ 18O in summer precipitation and temperature and moisture trajectories at Muztagata, western China

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Abstract

Based on summer observations of stable isotope of precipitation at Muztagata, western China, during 2002-2003, this paper presents the relationship between δ 18O in precipitation and air temperature, and discusses the effect of moisture transport on δ 18O in precipitation. Results show that air temperature correlates positively with δ 18O in precipitation, and the temperature effect controls the δ 18O of precipitation in this area. The Muztagata region exhibits high δ 18O values in summer precipitation, similar to those shown at stations in adjacent regions. According to the results of our model set up to trace the moisture trajectories, the westerlies and local moisture circulation contribute to variations of oxygen isotopes in precipitation. In addition, the impacts of the moisture transport distance, the moisture transport level, and the incursion of the polar air mass also influence the variations of δ 18O in precipitation. The moisture origins and transport mechanisms also contribute to the variation of δ 18O in precipitation at Muztagata.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Environment and Process on Tibetan Plateau, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China

    Yu Wusheng, Yao Tandong & Tian Lide

  2. Key Laboratory of Cryosphere and Environment, Jointly Established by Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute and Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, China Meteorological Administration, Lanzhou, 730000, China

    Yu Wusheng, Yao Tandong, Tian Lide, Li Zhen, Sun Weizhen & Wang Yu

Authors
  1. Yu Wusheng
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  2. Yao Tandong
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  3. Tian Lide
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  4. Li Zhen
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  5. Sun Weizhen
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  6. Wang Yu
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Yu, W., Yao, T., Tian, L. et al. Relationships between δ 18O in summer precipitation and temperature and moisture trajectories at Muztagata, western China. SCI CHINA SER D 49, 27–35 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-004-5097-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-004-5097-1

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