A Climate Study in Western Newfoundland: Precipitation δ18O and δ2H Examination Using Picarro L2130-i Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer

• Main Author: Marche, Brittany
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2016
• Subjects: Newfoundland; Corner Brook; Canada
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/12631/; https://research.library.mun.ca/12631/1/ENVS_4959_Honors_Thesis_-_Brittany_Marche_%28protected%29.pdf

The measurement of stable water isotopes (i.e., δ18O and δ2H) in precipitation is a powerful tool for detecting changes in climate patterns, as well as in assessing groundwater movement and studying hydrological budget. In the study, daily precipitation was collected and δ18O and δ2H we analyzed in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, for 2015. More than 130 samples were analyzed using a state-of-the-art cavity ring-down spectrometer, the Picarro Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer L2130-I, with minimal instrumental error. The data suggest seasonal variations in which the δ18O varies from -33.372 to -0.33 0/00 (+ 0.023 0/00) and δ2H ranges from -253.375 to 15.103 0/00 (+ 0.148 0/00). Our date are compared with modern meteorological data as well as published δ18O and δ2H data from greater Atlantic Canada, which suggest that the atmospheric circulation patterns, spatial features, and other climate factors are distinct in Corner Brook. It is noteworthy that the δ18O and δ2H are the first data from western Newfoundland and if measurement of δ18O and δ2H in precipitation in this area could be continued, it could indicate the impact of regional climate change in fractionation of liquid water isotopes. Furthermore, these data could be used to model hydrological processes.