Spatial distributions of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in multi-level groundwater across South Korea: A case study of mountainous regions

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151428
• Publication Date: 2021-11-04T22:25:41Z
• Authors: Youn-Young Jung; Woo-Jin Shin; Kyung-Hen Seo; Dong-Chan Koh; Kyung-Seok Ko; Kwang-Sik Lee
• Keywords: δ18O; Return flow

This study presents the spatial distributions of stable isotopes for groundwater according to well depth and spring water across South Korea, using an interpolation model provide baseline information hydrological studies. In total, 888 108 samples were collected Korea; their oxygen hydrogen isotopic compositions (δ18O δ2H) analyzed. δ18O δ2H values biased toward summer local meteoric line low d-excess indicate that precipitation is important recharge. The decrease progressively from southwest northeast on Korean Peninsula. Based eight regions, average are negatively correlated with latitude, but they positively temperature. result indicates in Korea significantly influenced by latitude altitude effects associated movement North Pacific air mass summer. Spring waters showed a negative correlation between d-excess, more depleted 18O than groundwater, indicating recharge flow within mountainous areas dominant. Considering multi-level located northern regions similar water, contribution regional flow, which recharged areas, considered be higher regions. distribution gradually approached increasing depth, may greater deep groundwater. Our results estimates data-poor supporting investigation links other factors.