Influence of moisture transport on stable isotope in precipitation in Yarlungzangbo River basin

Abstract

The relationship between the variation of ?¹⁸O in precipitation in Yarlungzangbo River basin and the moisture flux was analyzed with NCEP/NCAR reanalysis grid data and ?¹⁸O in precipitation at four stations (Lazi, Nugesha, Yangcun and Nuxia) of the region investigated. In terms of spatial variations, there is obviously a positive correlation between them for the entire basin. With the decrease in moisture flux from the downstream to the upstream area, ?¹⁸O in precipitation became gradually decreased. However, in terms of temporal variations, higher ?¹⁸O in precipitation during spring is linked to small moisture flux while low ?¹⁸O in precipitation during summer is linked to large moisture flux. A model involving meteorological data from NCEP/NCAR was subsequently set up which successfully traced the moisture transport trajectories at Yangcun station. Based on the traced moisture transport trajectories and the ?¹⁸O in precipitation at Yangcun station, the relationship between ?¹⁸O in precipitation in Yarlungzangbo River basin and the moisture transport history was discussed. We found that the humid marine air mass from the Indian Ocean in general has significantly lower ?¹⁸O values than the continental air mass from the north or local re-evaporation. The fluctuation of ?¹⁸O in precipitation during the monsoon season is very pronounced; the lower values are usually related to farther distance and multilayer moisture transport, as well as moisture crossing the Himalaya Mountains.

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