Transpiration Induced Changes in Atmospheric Water Vapor δ18O via Isotopic Non-Steady-State Effects on a Subtropical Forest Plantation

Abstract

Accurate simulation of oxygen isotopic composition (δ18OT) of transpiration (T) and its contribution via isotopic non-steady-state (NSS) to atmospheric water vapor δ18O (δ18Ov) still faces great challenges. High-frequency in-situ measurements of δ18Ov and evapotranspiration (ET) δ18O were conducted for two summer days on a subtropical forest plantation. δ18O of xylem, leaf, and soil water at 3 or 4-h intervals was analyzed. Leaf water δ18O and δ18OT were estimated using the Craig and Gordon (CG), Dongmann and Farquhar–Cernusak models, and evaporation (E) δ18O using the CG model. To quantify the effects of δ18OT, δ18OE, and δ18OET on δ18Ov, T, E, and ET isoforcing was calculated as the product of T, E, and ET fluxes, and the deviation of their δ18O from δ18Ov. Results showed that isotopic steady-state assumption (SS) was satisfied between 12:00 and 15:00. NSS was significant, and δ18OT was underestimated by SS before 12:00 and after 18:00. The Péclet effect was less important to δ18OT simulation than NSS at the canopy level. Due to decreasing atmospheric vertical mixing and the appearance of the inversion layer, contribution from positive T isoforcing increased δ18Ov in the morning and at night. During the daytime, the contribution from positive T isoforcing increased first and then decreased due to strong vertical mixing and variability in T rate.