Isotopic patterns in modern global precipitation
Abstract
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has been conducting a world-wide survey of hydrogen (2H/1H) and oxygen (18O/16O) isotope composition of monthly precipitation since 1961. At present, 72 IAEA/WMO network stations are in operation. Another 82 stations belonging to national organizations continue to send their results to the IAEA for publication. The paper focuses on basic features of spatial and temporal distribution of deuterium and 18O in global precipitation, as derived from the IAEA/WMO isotope database. The internal structure and basic characteristics of this database are discussed in some detail. The existing phenomenological relationships between observed stable isotope composition of precipitation and various climate-related parameters such as local surface air temperature and amount of precipitation are reviewed and critically assessed. Attempts are presented towards revealing interannual fluctuations in the accumulated isotope records and relating them to changes of precipitation amount and the surface air temperature over the past 30 years.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Monograph Series
- Pub Date:
- 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1029/GM078p0001
- Bibcode:
- 1993GMS....78....1R