Stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes as indicators of lake water recharge and evaporation in the lakes of the Yinchuan Plain

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.9915
• Publication Date: 2013-05-23T20:06:49Z
• Authors: Hui Qian; Jianhua Wu; Yahong Zhou; Peiyue Li
• Keywords: Coastal plain; Pan evaporation

Abstract The Yinchuan Plain has more than 2000 years of history irrigation by diverting water from the Yellow River. Currently, amount diverted River is about 21.7 times formed on plain as a result precipitation and inflow groundwater. Under intensive influence irrigation, changed desert into rich populous area, earning its name ‘South China Beyond Great Wall’, with lakes scattered across just stars in sky. In this research, 17 representative were sampled to analyze study 2 H 18 O content; results showed that have undergone obvious non‐equilibrium evaporation. Recharges can be divided three types: recharge River, groundwater both these. Craig–Gordon evaporation model for isotope fractionation was used estimate proportion each lake. generally extensive under dry climatic conditions. Most an over 25%, largest originating Shahu lake Gaomiaohu northern part plain, at 42.5% 42.8%, respectively. proportions calculated basis are very close other. This shows method paper feasible estimating areas heavy anthropogenic influence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.