Resource Management Challenges Research Articles

Human resource management of Physical Education teachers for students with special needs in inclusive schools

This study used the systematic literature review to explore articles related to human resource management and physical education teachers who work with students with special needs in inclusive schools. Data were obtained from articles searched through Google Scholar. The keywords used were ("Human Resource Management" OR "HR Management") AND ("Physical Education Teacher" OR "PE Teacher") AND ("Special Needs Students" OR "Students with Disabilities" OR "SEN Students") AND ("Inclusive Schools" OR "Inclusive Education"). The search focused on articles published in Scopus-indexed journals between 2019 and 2024. During the search, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The initial search generated 17,400 articles. Furthermore, the articles were screened again in several stages, and 16 articles that fit the theme and met the inclusion requirements were yielded. During the article selection, this study followed the PRISMA guidelines. The results of this study showed that inclusive education presents significant challenges in human resource management, especially regarding the readiness and competence of physical education teachers. For example, the teachers did not receive sufficient training in inclusive methodologies, leading them to feel underprepared for the diverse needs of students. Thus, comprehensive training that covers theory and hands-on practice was identified as a solution. Teachers with more in-depth training and experience showed more positive attitudes and abilities. In addition, adjustments to teaching methods and effective use of technology, with school support and collaboration between teachers, staff, and parents, were key to success. Furthermore, policy changes and adequate resource allocation were also crucial. Periodic evaluation of inclusive practices was necessary to ensure continuous development. Thus, increased training, supportive policies, and ongoing support from the government and schools were necessary to achieve effective, inclusive physical education.

Comparative assessment of empirical random forest family's model in simulating future streamflow in different basin of Sarawak, Malaysia

In Sarawak, a region highly vulnerable to climate change, the translation of climate-induced changes in rainfall to river flow is non-linear, presenting a challenge for water resource managers. This research investigates the impact of climate change on hydrological processes in Sarawak, Malaysia, with a specific focus on assessing future spatiotemporal variations in streamflow. The families of Random Forest (RF) empirical models based on data mining techniques were compared and utilized to develop a continuous hydrologic model. Then, by incorporating rainfall and evapotranspiration future projection prepared based on RF past performance statistical downscaling, the top performing RF empirical hydrological model was used for future streamflow projection. The results showed that despite an expected increase in rainfall, the RFR (Random Forest by Randomization) empirical hydrological model demonstrated a potential decrease in river runoff due to heightened evapotranspiration demands associated with rising temperatures. The examination of climate-induced alterations in both rainfall and evapotranspiration patterns revealed a consistent decrease in river discharges during the early to middle period across Sarawak, followed by a shift towards an increasing trend by the end of the 21st century. The central region along the Rajang basin exhibited a prevailing decrease in river discharge, with contrasting patterns in the last part of the century. The northern region displayed diverse trends, with some basins experiencing decreases in river runoff despite augmented rainfall, emphasizing the heterogeneity in response. By employing empirical models, and projecting future scenarios, the study contributes to a better understanding of climate change impacts on hydrology in the region, essential for effective water resource management and environmental conservation.

Trend Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature in the Kharun Watershed: Implications for Climate and Water Management

Rainfall and temperature are critical meteorological variables for understanding climate change and its potential impacts on water resources. Rainfall and Temperature are the most important for climatic parameters. The result of this study will help to take necessary steps and measures for agricultural production. This study focuses on analyzing rainfall and temperature trends in the Kharun watershed, Chhattisgarh, using the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope (SS) estimator. The analysis covers seasonal (summer, winter, and monsoon) and annual trends across key stations. Results for precipitation trends reveal mixed outcomes. At Dhamtari, a significant increasing trend in summer rainfall (z = 3.21, p < 0.01, Sen's slope = 0.77) was observed, though the annual trend remains insignificant. In Patharidih, summer rainfall also shows a significant upward trend (z = 2.04, p = 0.04), while Raipur exhibits a significant decline in both annual and summer precipitation (z = -1.04, p = 0.03, Sen's slope = -0.27). Temperature trends indicate no significant changes in maximum temperature across most stations, though slight positive trends are observed in summer and monsoon seasons. However, minimum temperature trends show a significant decline during winter at Dhamtari and Raipur (z = -2.12, Sen's slope = -0.04). These findings highlight localized seasonal variability in rainfall and temperature, underlining potential challenges for water resource management and climate adaptation in the region.

The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Temperature Variability Across Mts. Qinling: A Comparative Study from 1971 to 2022

Analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of atmospheric temperature in sensitive areas is critically important for understanding the broader implications of global climate change, which remains a prominent topic in geosciences. It also plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development. This study utilized daily minimum, maximum, and mean temperature data from twelve meteorological stations across the South and North Mts. Qinling (Qinling Mountains). Employing trend analysis, the Mann–Kendall mutation test, and Morlet wavelet analysis, we explored the predominant temperature trends and characteristics from 1971 to 2022. Our findings revealed consistent inter-annual warming trends in both regions, with more rapid temperature increases in the North compared to the South. Notably, significant shifts occurred in 2003 for both mean and minimum temperatures in the North, while the maximum and minimum temperature values were recorded in the 2010s and 1980s, respectively. Both regions exhibited a primary temperature fluctuation cycle of 28 years. Seasonally, the strongest warming effects appeared in spring, with the weakest in autumn, and moderate effects in winter and summer, indicating that spring contributes most significantly to regional warming. Monthly analysis showed positive temperature trends across all months, with higher rates in the North. The weakening temperature boundary effect of the Mts. Qinling suggested a weakening North–South division, particularly highlighted by the northward shift of the 1 °C isotherm curve for the coldest month, moving away from the previously observed 0 °C isotherm. This northward shift highlights the differential warming rates between the northern and southern regions. Overall, the analysis confirms a robust warming trend, with notable fluctuations in January’s temperatures since 1998, suggesting the Mts. Qinling’s emerging role as a climatic divider in the Chinese Mainland. This introduces new challenges for regional ecosystems, agricultural production, and water resource management, highlighting the pressing need to advance regional sustainable development in the face of climate change.

Strengthening Community Resilience in the Face of Environmental and Economic Challenges in Southeast Mexico

Objective: The problems in the sustainable management of natural resources in their fishing practices in the community of Aztlán Quinta Seccion Palomillal in Tabasco, Mexico, are analyzed to develop community solutions and improve sustainability and socioeconomic results. Theoretical Framework: It is based on the theory of sustainability (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, p. 43), the natural resources management model (Natural Resources Commission, 2012, p. 3) and the theory of participatory research (Reason & Bradbury, 2008, p. These frameworks are the context in which fishing practices are developed in the community, serving as a relevant case study for southeastern Mexico, facilitating the analysis of the problems and proposed solutions. Method: A qualitative case study design focused on community-based participatory research was applied, involving key community actors, including fishermen and leaders of the fishing cooperative. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observation. The interviews were designed to learn about challenges in resource management, while focus groups facilitated discussions about possible solutions. Participant observations were carried out during community meetings and the sociocultural and environmental context. Results and Discussion: The problems of sediment accumulation, the presence of invasive species, the lack of adequate infrastructure and low educational levels were identified. There is an urgency to implement strategies that combine traditional knowledge with modern practices to improve the sustainability of fishing activities. The importance of community participation is highlighted. Research Implications: It has significant practical and theoretical implications for sustainable resource management in rural fishing communities and can be applied in other similar rural contexts and contributes to the theoretical development of community-based participatory research. Originality/Value: An innovative community-based participatory research approach is applied for sustainable natural resource management in a rural fishing community, replicable for sustainable resource management in vulnerable contexts.

The Effect of Employee Engagement on Employee Performance by Moderation of Generational Characteristics of Employees in Private Agencies

Employee engagement is an important issue that is the main concern of the organization's leaders in managing its employees. The changing characteristics of the employee generation are becoming a specific challenge for human resource management. Employees who are engaged with their work will exert all their abilities, efforts, and thoughts and significantly contribute, where the engagement and personal characteristics possessed by employees in carrying out their work can directly impact their performance. This study aimed to analyze employee engagement's effect on employee performance by moderating the generational characteristics of private agency employees in the City of Padang, West Sumatra. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed to 100 employee respondents working in private institutions in the city of Padang, with purposive sampling technique. Then, the data is processed using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results of this study indicate that employee engagement generational characteristics (Y and Z generation) have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Generational characteristics (Y and Z generation) also positively and significantly impact employee engagement. Generational characteristics do not moderate the relationship between employee involvement and employee performance, but directly employee engagement and employee performance can be improved with generational characteristic variables. Organizational leaders should pay attention to employee engagement and the characteristics of the generation of employees and can make it a potential to improve employee performance.

Integration of Generative-Adversarial-Network-Based Data Compaction and Spatial Attention Transductive Long Short-Term Memory for Improved Rainfall–Runoff Modeling

This work presents a novel approach to rainfall–runoff modeling. We incorporate GAN-based data compaction into a spatial-attention-enhanced transductive long short-term memory (TLSTM) network. The GAN component reduces data dimensions while retaining essential features. This compaction enables the TLSTM to capture complex temporal dependencies in rainfall–runoff patterns more effectively. When tested on the CAMELS dataset, the model significantly outperforms benchmark LSTM-based models. For 8-day runoff forecasts, our model achieves an NSE of 0.536, compared to 0.326 from the closest competitor. The integration of GAN-based feature extraction with spatial attention mechanisms improves predictive accuracy, particularly for peak-flow events. This method offers a powerful solution for addressing current challenges in water resource management and disaster planning under extreme climate conditions.

Ethical Concerns Upon Artificial Intelligence Empowered Human Resource Management: A Qualitative Study among Middle-level Managers from Beijing Technology Companies

The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizational management has significantly enhanced operational efficiency. However, it has introduced ethical challenges in human resource management. Between January to March 2024, this study conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with middle-level managers from high-tech companies in Beijing. Through word frequency analysis, the study found that key topics among the managers were “company,” “data,” “system,” and “problem,” with “AI” frequently recurring in the discussions. Sentiment analysis revealed generally favorable attitudes toward AI in human resource management (AI-HRM), along with nuanced emotional expressions such as inquiry, introspection, recommendation, challenge, adaptation, resistance, and indifference. The sentiment distribution of keywords aligned with topic trends. Thematic analysis identified key ethical concerns in AI-HRM, including issues related to data collection and utilization, human versus machine decision-making, quantitative versus qualitative assessment methodologies, the balance between fairness and efficiency, the need for trustworthy, explainable, and transparent AI, and the oversight of AI-HRM. This study contributes to the ethical investigation of AI-HRM from the perspective of middle-level managers, highlighting themes that are critical for understanding the theory, application, and future development of AI-HRM.

Evaluating the impact of coal seam roof groundwater using variable weights theory: A special emphasis on skylight-type water inrush pattern

Study regionThis study is based in the rapidly developing large-scale coal base located in Northwest China. Study focusThis study focuses on addressing a critical yet overlooked aspect of large-scale coal resource development in arid regions: the impact on coal seam roof groundwater. Recognizing the paramount importance of safeguarding groundwater resources for sustainable mining practices, the research introduces a novel concept of “skylight-type secondary water inrush pattern” and develops a comprehensive evaluation methodology to quantify its extent. New hydrological insights for the regionThe study presents groundbreaking hydrological insights into the behavior of groundwater systems impacted by coal mining in arid regions. It reveals that secondary water inrush pattern, a phenomenon driven by hydrodynamics, extends beyond the immediate mechanical footprint of mining, posing significant challenges for groundwater resource management. This research underscores the importance of considering not just the structural alterations to aquifers but also the broader hydrological consequences of mining activities. By integrating multivariate geological information with a variable weights theory, the developed evaluation method provides a nuanced understanding of how mining alters groundwater abundance and flow patterns. These new insights challenge traditional approaches and offer a scientific basis for designing effective strategies to mitigate water damage, manage mine groundwater, and promote sustainable mining practices in arid environments.

Advancing Circular Economy through Knowledge Transfer: A Decade of Research Insights

Economic growth and sustainable development are central themes of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations and adopted by the European Commission for EU member countries. Transitioning to a circular economy (CE) aligns with the SDGs, particularly through the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle (3Rs). This comparative analysis synthesises the contributions of multiple scholars, providing a cohesive understanding of current advancements and challenges in CE and sustainable resource management. Key themes include stakeholder collaboration, technological innovations, waste management, and policy frameworks. Effective waste management and valorisation of materials are highlighted, with significant advancements in electronic waste treatment, automotive shredder residue processing, and construction waste recycling. Moreover, the study emphasises the importance of cooperation through partnerships, as outlined in SDG17, and knowledge transfer in building trust within developed countries. The literature review reveals interactions between knowledge transfer components, such as research and development, foreign direct investment, and CE indicators, including circular material use rate and recycling rate. A bibliometric technique and VOSviewer were employed for visually representative and comprehensible literature analysis. The findings suggest that the integrated efforts of various stakeholders, technological advancements, and robust policy frameworks are essential for achieving a sustainable and circular future. By analysing these components, the research aims to evaluate the potential of EU member states to achieve sustainable development, providing valuable insights into the theoretical approaches and indicators used in CE and knowledge transfer studies.

Reassessing water resource challenges in a changing climate in the Kagera transboundary river basin, Tanzania

The dynamic shifts in climatic patterns, particularly alterations in precipitation, have significantly impacted water resource availability and accessibility. These climate-induced changes affect hydrological processes, encompassing runoff, groundwater replenishment, water demand, and biophysical patterns within river basins. This study seeks to unravel the multifaceted implications encountered and challenges in water resource management within the river basin. It employed a survey-based approach for data collection, including Key informant interviews (KI), consultation methods and documentary reviews. The study utilized Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel for quantitative analysis and thematic synthesis for qualitative insights, including local community perspectives. The findings reveal substantial fluctuations in precipitation, protracted droughts, severe flooding, and other climatic extremes. The observed annual mean rainfall of 832 mm, with a standard deviation of 248, a standard error of 361, and a skewness of −945, accentuates the pronounced variability in mean precipitation, exhibiting a declining trend indicative of climatic shifts (R2 = 0.1797 and P = 0.002). The challenges are limited access to hydrological and meteorological data, undermining prediction accuracy, infrastructure planning, and response strategies for water resource allocation and management. The absence of unified approaches, influenced by the politics of riparian states, feeble coordination, conflicting sectoral policies, and ambiguous priorities, hinders effective transboundary water resource management. The study addresses these complexities and advocates for institutionalizing robust water management strategies that capitalize on existing resources and foster innovative capacities among critical stakeholders. Central to these efforts is harmonizing and enforcing policies, regulations, and laws governing water use, coupled with a concerted focus on inclusive governance to ensure the sustainability of water resource management. Such effort entails synchronized strategies, programs, plans, and livelihood practices underpinned by active stakeholder involvement in pivotal facets of water resources management.

Serverless Computing in the Edge-Cloud Continuum : Challenges, Opportunities, and a Novel Framework

This article explores the integration of serverless computing across the edge-cloud continuum, addressing the growing demand for low-latency, data-intensive applications in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT). We present EdgeServe, a novel framework that extends the serverless paradigm to encompass edge devices and cloud resources, overcoming the limitations of traditional cloud-centric approaches. Through comprehensive simulations and real-world case studies, including a smart city traffic management system, an industrial IoT predictive maintenance application, and a mobile augmented reality gaming platform, we evaluate the performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of our proposed framework. Our results demonstrate significant improvements in application response times, with latency reductions of up to 82% in time-critical functions, and an average cost reduction of 43% compared to cloud-only serverless deployments. We also observe a 28% decrease in overall energy consumption in certain scenarios. The article addresses key challenges in resource management, data consistency, adaptive function placement, and security in distributed environments. Our findings have important implications for application architects and cloud service providers, paving the way for a new generation of edge-native serverless platforms. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on distributed systems and offers insights into the future evolution of serverless computing in heterogeneous computing environments.

New challenges for human resource management in academic institutions: A qualitative survey of emerging demands in Czech higher education

The effectiveness of academic institutions in achieving educational excellence, advancing research, and addressing societal issues is significantly influenced by the management of their human capital. This includes the qualifications, skills, and development opportunities for both academic and non-academic staff, as well as the systems in place for performance management and career advancement. Unlike corporate HR managers, those in universities often have limited authority over cross-functional areas such as career planning, organizational culture, and performance management. This paper investigates the main challenges and risks that arise from the typically underdeveloped HR management systems within universities. Through a qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews with HR managers from Czech universities, the study evaluates their awareness of these challenges and examines the strategies they are considering to address them.

The Relationships Between Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Affective Commitment and Team Effectiveness in A Non-Profit Organization

Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in fostering healthy communities by providing vital services that contribute to economic stability and mobility. However, the effectiveness of these organizations hinges on the positive and engaged behavior of their employees. These organizations may face challenges in staffing and resource management that can hinder performance and funding, making team effectiveness and organizational citizenship behavior essential for success. This study investigates the relationships between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), affective commitment, and team effectiveness in a non-profit organization based in Selangor. Utilizing a cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach, 118 employees across local and international branches of a non-profit organization participated in an online survey. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The study found that conscientiousness, courtesy, and civic virtue are the dimensions of (OCB) that positively influence team effectiveness, while altruism and sportsmanship did not show a significant impact in the non-profit context. Conscientious employees who are diligent and responsible, along with those who exhibit courtesy by being considerate and communicative, and those who actively participate in organizational activities, contribute meaningfully to team success. Furthermore, affective commitment, or employees' emotional attachment and identification with the organization, was also found to enhance team effectiveness, highlighting the role of an engaged and committed workforce in driving positive outcomes.

Modeling of Energy Usage Intensity Based on West Java Region Conditions Using Dynamic Systems Approach

Abstract West Java is a region in Indonesia experiencing significant population growth and economic activity, leading to a substantial increase in energy demand and presenting challenges for sustainable energy resource management. Energy is fundamental to economic and social activities, and efficient, sustainable management is essential for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Modeling energy usage intensity is crucial for understanding the dynamics of energy consumption and its influencing factors. This study aims to develop a model that accurately represents energy consumption patterns in West Java using a dynamic systems approach. The study utilizes Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) and Stock Flow Diagrams (SFD) to systematically map and model the intricate dynamics of the energy system, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interactions and influences among various factors. The model was validated by comparing its outputs with historical data and calculating a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). This enhances confidence in the analyses and recommendations derived from the model, making it a valuable tool for understanding and influencing energy usage patterns in West Java. In conclusion, this study not only provides deep insights into energy consumption in West Java but also offers practical approaches for improved energy management, supporting sustainable development and environmental protection in the region.

Impact of Job Satisfaction on the Labour Productivity of Healthcare Personnel

Introduction. The healthcare sector, a cornerstone of society and the economy, brings together specialists from various fields and departments. As healthcare organisations grapple with similar human resource management and policy development challenges as other types of organisations, research on increasing job satisfaction, a key indicator of effective management and employee attitudes, becomes increasingly relevant. Aim and tasks. This study aims to determine the level of satisfaction among those employed in the healthcare sector, particularly in Georgia, and to underscore its profound impact on performance. Results. Findings revealed that various factors affect job satisfaction and, consequently, the quality of service provided. Using the F test, it was found that there is a significant statistical relationship between education (0.01 level (p < 0.001, F = 9.992)), work experience (0.01 level (p < 0.001, F = 9.299)), age (0.01 level (P<0.001, F= 9.164)) and job satisfaction and quality of service. Also, the research results showed that 70% of the respondents believe job satisfaction enhances their performance. Specialized expertise, knowledge, and an appropriate strategy are required to manage these professionals. It is highly significant and essential for employees to have constant development opportunities, access to professional training, and work in a high-satisfaction environment. Conclusions. That is critically important for improving performance in healthcare and any organization. However, it is worth mentioning this sector faces stress, high mental load, and burnout. In order to address these issues, organizations should have their own clear policy, properly distribute roles and resources, involve employees in processes from the start, and provide relevant information. Hinged on the previously conducted research, opportunities for personnel development and training are limited in Georgia, which in turn is leading to a shortage of qualified personnel and high staff turnover. The presented recommendations will help managers of organizations analyse the importance of job satisfaction in the growth of productivity and success of the organization and its constituent indicators and develop an appropriate strategy for their improvement in the future.

Addressing Challenges in School-Based Management: Planning for Better Learning and Resource Management

This study aims to examine the planning for implementing School-Based Management (SBM) at SMP IT Muhammadiyah An Najah Jatinom, focusing on improving the quality of learning and human resource (HR) management. Ideally, SBM is designed to enhance students' academic and religious competence through participatory planning involving teachers, parents, and the local community. However, despite the formulation of the school's vision and mission, the school faces limited resources and budget, which impact the implementation of planned programs. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation from relevant parties, such as the Principal, Vice Principal, and Teachers. Data analysis was conducted through triangulation to ensure the validity and accuracy of the information obtained. The research findings show that although SBM planning is well-structured, focusing on improving teacher competency through training and workshops and developing infrastructure that supports technology-based educational facilities, there are still deficiencies in coordination and supervision that need improvement for more optimal implementation. Overall, this research emphasizes that structured and participatory planning is essential to achieving SBM success and enhancing educational quality, although challenges in resource management must be addressed for optimal implementation.

Spatiotemporal change of lake shrinkage and its response to the unprecedented heat waves in the middle and lower Yangtze River Basin

ABSTRACT Due to the joint influence of human activities and climate change, lakes experience significant shrinkage or expansion, posing enormous challenges for water resource management and the ecological balance of lake ecosystems. As an important region abundant in water resources in China, the balance of water resources in the middle and lower Yangtze River Basin (MLY) is crucial for region sustainable development. However, to date, few studies have quantitatively analysed the lake area during heat waves in the MLY. To fill this gap, this study selected the summer of 2022, which encountered unprecedented heat waves, to analyse the changes of lake area in the MLY. Specifically, Sentinel-1 images were used as data sources, and the Random Forest (RF) model was applied to extract the monthly area of 62 lakes (area >10 km2) in the MLY from 2019 to 2022. The results showed that: (1) Compared to the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model and the Otsu method, the RF model had the highest accuracy, with its accuracy and Kappa coefficient in the testing samples of 97.14% and 0.94, respectively. During the period from June to September in 2022, the total area of 62 lakes decreased by 3475.50 km2. (2) Compared to the same period in the summer of 2019–2021, 23 lakes (37.10%) were observed to experience shrinkage. Among them, the area of Poyang Lake and Dongting Lake decreased to the level of the previous winter dry seasons in August 2022. (3) Temperature was the most important meteorological factor that caused changes in the lake area in the MLY, compared to precipitation, evaporation, and runoff. This research can help understand the impact of climate change on lakes and provide references for decision-making in the MLY to formulate the strategies of water resource management under the changing climate.

Transforming Hydrology Python Packages into Web Application Programming Interfaces: A Comprehensive Workflow Using Modern Web Technologies

The accessibility and deployment of complex hydrological models remain significant challenges in water resource management and research. This study presents a comprehensive workflow for converting Python-based hydrological models into web APIs, addressing the need for more accessible and interoperable modeling tools. The workflow leverages modern web technologies and containerization to streamline the deployment process. The workflow was applied to three distinct models: a GRACE downscaling model, a synthetic time series generator, and a MODFLOW groundwater model. The implementation process for each model was completed in approximately 15 min with a reliable internet connection, demonstrating the efficiency of the approach. The resulting APIs provide standardized interfaces for model execution, progress tracking, and result retrieval, facilitating integration with various applications. This workflow significantly reduces barriers to model deployment and usage, potentially broadening the user base for sophisticated hydrological tools. The approach aligns hydrological modeling with contemporary software development practices, opening new avenues for collaboration and innovation. While challenges such as performance scaling and security considerations remain, this work provides a blueprint for making complex hydrological models more accessible and operational, paving the way for enhanced research and practical applications in hydrology.

Understanding the Source and Evolution of Precipitation Stable Isotope Composition across O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Abstract Pacific Islands present unique challenges for water resource management due to their environmental vulnerability, dynamic climates, and heavy reliance on groundwater. Quantifying connections between meteoric, ground, and surface waters is critical for effective water resource management. Analyses of the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen in the hydrosphere can help illuminate such connections. This study investigates the stable isotope composition of rainfall on O‘ahu in the Hawaiian Islands, with a particular focus on how altitude impacts stable isotope composition. Rainfall was sampled at 20 locations from March 2018 to August 2021. The new precipitation stable isotope data were integrated with previously published data to create the most spatially and topographically diverse precipitation collector network on O‘ahu to date. Results show that δ18O and δ2H values in precipitation displayed distinct isotopic signatures influenced by geographical location, season, and precipitation source. Altitude and isotopic compositions were strongly correlated along certain elevation transects, but these relationships could not be extrapolated to larger regions due to microclimate influences. Altitude and deuterium excess were strongly correlated across the study region, suggesting that deuterium excess may be a reliable proxy for precipitation elevation in local water tracer studies. Analysis of spring, rainfall, and fog stable isotope composition from Mount Ka‘ala suggests that fog may contribute up to 45% of total groundwater recharge at the summit. These findings highlight the strong influence of microclimates on the stable isotope composition of rainfall, underscore the need for further investigation into fog’s role in the water budget, and demonstrate the importance of stable isotope analysis for comprehending hydrologic dynamics in environmentally sensitive regions.