Stable isotopic compositions and controlling factors of precipitation and atmospheric vapour in the headwaters of the Shule River

Abstract

AbstractStable isotopic compositions of precipitation (δ18Op, δ2Hp and d‐excessp) and atmospheric vapour (δ18Ov, δ2Hv and d‐excessv) with high spatial–temporal resolution are crucial in revealing hydrologic cycle. Based on the variation characteristics of δ18Op/δ18Ov, δ2Hp/δ2Hv and d‐excessp/d‐excessv in the headwaters of the Shule River (HSR) on hourly and daily scales from June to September 2018, this study analysed the relationships between δ18Op/δ2Hp and δ18Ov/δ2Hv combined with the equilibrium fractionation model, as well as δ18Op/δ18Ov and meteorological factors. The slopes of local meteoric water line (LMWL) and the δ2Hv‐δ18Ov fitting equation were similar (7.96 and 7.94) with both intercepts exceeding 10, reflecting the great contribution of recycling moisture. The values of δ18Ov/δ2Hv were lower than δ18Op/δ2Hp but with consistent variation patterns throughout the period. The equilibrium simulation results suggested that precipitation and atmospheric vapour almost approached isotopic equilibrium state, especially during monsoon intrusion period. Affected by monsoon intrusion, the slopes and intercepts of the LMWLs and the δ2Hv‐δ18Ov fitting equations were smaller than those during non‐monsoon period and d‐excess and δ18O were negatively correlated. Relative humidity had significant negative correlations with δ18Op and δ18Ov in the whole period, however, the positive correlations between δ18Op/δ18Ov and temperature were observed during non‐monsoon and monsoon intrusion period, respectively. Our results demonstrated that precipitation and atmospheric vapour isotopic compositions exhibited consistency under the influence of diverse moisture sources, while more complex relationships were found between δ18Op/δ18Ov and meteorological factors. This research provided evidence for using the isotopic compositions of atmospheric vapour to indicate moisture sources, and can improve understanding of the water cycle and eco‐hydrological process from the perspective of the interaction between water and gas phases of the inland river basin in northwest China.