Stable precipitation isotope records of cold wave events in Eurasia

Abstract

As the climate warms, extreme low- and high-temperature events will become more intense, and the stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in atmospheric precipitation have the potential to diagnose these extreme weather events. Based on daily-scale precipitation isotope data, this study explains the mechanism by which cold wave events affect precipitation isotopes in Eurasia. The results show that precipitation isotopes are noticeably depleted during cold wave events compared to other precipitation in the same month, which is associated with cooling and increased water vapor transport at high latitudes. The characteristics of LMWL can indicate changes in meteorological conditions during cold waves. The strengthening of the high-pressure and cold front systems makes a big difference in the increased latitudinal-variation gradient of precipitation isotopes in cold wave events. Additionally, the complicated variations in cold-wave precipitation d-excess reflect changes in the water vapor sources and the non-equilibrium fractionation process in the water vapor transport path. This study reveals the mechanism of precipitation isotope response to cold wave events, which provides a reference constraint for interpreting the paleoisotopic record accurately and reconstructing past cold wave activity.