Robust CoDA balances and the role of the variance in complex riverine geochemical systems

• DOI: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2024.107438
• Publication Date: 2024-02-27T17:16:43Z
• Authors: Caterina Gozzi; Matthias Templ; Antonella Buccianti
• Keywords: Bimodality

This study introduces a robust method for analyzing the geochemical behavior of chemical species in river catchment water. It focuses on isometric log-ratio coordinates obtained from sequential partition that successively maximizes explained variance data set. Robust orthonormal are created based hierarchical clustering and estimation variation matrix. Applying this to water chemistry Italy's Arno Tiber basins, research reveals associations variables structure processes across varying geological climatic conditions. The uncovers key contrasting suggests simple balances characterized by lower variances (i.e., Ca2+/HCO3− Na+/Cl−) mainly influenced random fluctuations with no differences between classical or methods. However, when describe more complex resulting frequency distributions affected presence bimodality outliers, significant among two approaches emerge, compromising interpretation. proposed metodology offers insights into investigation geochemistry's resilience hydroclimatic changes, marking step understanding large-scale environmental dynamics.