Abstract The isotopic composition of precipitation is used to trace water cycling and climate change, but interpretations of the environmental information recorded in central Andean precipitation isotope ratios are hindered by a lack of multi‐year records, poor spatial distribution of observations, and a predominant focus on Rayleigh distillation. To better understand isotopic variability in central Andean precipitation, we present a three‐year record of semimonthly δ18Opand δ2Hpvalues from 15 stations in southern Peru and triple oxygen isotope data, expressed as ∆′17Op, from 32 precipitation samples. Consistent with previous work, we find that elevation correlates negatively with δ18Opand that seasonal δ18Opvariations are related to upstream rainout and local convection. Spatial δ18Opvariations and atmospheric back trajectories show that both eastern‐ and western‐derived air masses bring precipitation to southern Peru. Seasonal d‐excesspcycles record moisture recycling and relative humidity at remote moisture sources, and both d‐excesspand ∆′17Opclearly differentiate evaporated and non‐evaporated samples. These results begin to establish the natural range of unevaporated ∆′17Opvalues in the central Andes and set the foundation for future paleoclimate and paleoaltimetry studies in the region. This study highlights the hydrologic understanding that comes from a combination of δ18Op, d‐excessp, and ∆′17Opdata and helps identify the evaporation, recycling, and rainout processes that drive water cycling in the central Andes.
more »
« less
Measurements of 18 O 18 O and 17 O 18 O in the atmosphere and the role of isotope-exchange reactions: 18 O 18 O AND 17 O 18 O IN THE ATMOSPHERE
- Award ID(s):
- 1049655
- PAR ID:
- 10080335
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
- Volume:
- 117
- Issue:
- D18
- ISSN:
- 0148-0227
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- n/a to n/a
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
-
Abstract Stable isotopes of oxygen (δ18O) in seawater reflect the combined influences of ocean circulation and atmospheric moisture balance. However, it is difficult to disentangle disparate ocean and atmosphere influences on modern seawater δ18O values, partly because continuous time series of seawater δ18O are rare. Here we present a nearly nine‐year, continuous record of seawater δ18O values from the Galápagos. Seawater δ18O values faithfully track sea surface salinity and salinity along the equator at 50 m depth. Zonal current velocity within the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC), directly west of the Galápagos, is strongly correlated with Galápagos surface seawater δ18O values with a 1‐month lag. Reconstructions of Galápagos seawater δ18O values could thus provide a window into past variations in the strength of the EUC, an important influence on large‐scale tropical Pacific climate.more » « less