Spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) in surface waters of arid, mountainous Central Asia

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.13429
• Publication Date: 2019-03-06T18:52:18Z
• Authors: Huawu Wu; Jinglu Wu; Kadyrbek Sakiev; Jinzhao Liu; Jing Li; Bin He; Ya Liu; Beibei Shen
• Keywords: Central Asia

Abstract Characterization of spatial and temporal variability stable isotopes (δ 18 O δ 2 H) surface waters is essential to interpret hydrological processes establish modern isotope–elevation gradients across mountainous terrains. Here, we present isotope data for river Kyrgyzstan. River water exhibit substantial heterogeneity among different watersheds in Higher values were found mainly the Issyk‐Kul Lake watershed, whereas Son‐Kul watershed display lower values. Results show a close O–δ H relation between local meteoric line, implying that experiences little evaporative enrichment. from high‐elevation regions (e.g., Naryn watershed) had most negative values, dominated by snowmelt. deuterium excess (average d = 13.9‰) probably represents isotopic signature combined contributions direct precipitation glacier melt stream discharge A significant relationship elevation was observed with vertical lapse rate 0.13‰/100 m. These findings provide crucial information about Kyrgyzstan contribute better understanding paleoclimate/elevation reconstruction this region.