Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Real-time observations of stable isotope dynamics during rainfall and throughfall events

Preprint published in 2018 by Barbara Herbstritt, Benjamin Gralher, Markus Weiler
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Question mark in circle
Preprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Postprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

The isotopic composition of throughfall is affected by complex exchange, enrichment, and mixing processes in the tree canopy. All interception processes occur simultaneously in space and time generating a complex pattern of throughfall in amount and isotopic composition. This pattern ultimately cascades through the entire hydrologic system and is therefore crucial for studies in catchment hydrology where recharge areas are often forested while reference meteorological stations are generally in the open. For the quasi real-time observation of the isotopic composition of both gross precipitation and throughfall we developed an approach combining an off-the-shelf membrane contactor (Membrana) with a laser-based Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer (CRDS, Picarro), obtaining isotope readings every two seconds. For the continuous observation of the temporal effect of interception processes two setups with two CRDS instruments in parallel were used analysing gross precipitation and throughfall simultaneously. All devices were kept small to minimize dead volume and thereby, with time-lags of only four minutes, to increase the temporal resolution of isotope observations. Complementarily, meteorological variables were recorded in high temporal resolution at the same location. Comparing these high temporally resolved continuous measurements with discrete liquid or event-based bulk samples, this approach proves to be a powerful tool towards more insight in the very dynamic processes contributing to interception during rainfall events.

Beta version