Designing a precipitation collection network for the analysis of stable isotopes in precipitation in Flagstaff, Arizona

Henderson, Emily Erin (2023) Designing a precipitation collection network for the analysis of stable isotopes in precipitation in Flagstaff, Arizona. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

A precipitation collection network was established in the Flagstaff area for the analysis of stable isotope delta values (d18O and d2H). Isotopic data from event-scale sampling during the monsoon and autumn seasons of 2022 are presented. Significant seasonal trends in isotopic composition were observed that correspond to ambient temperatures and atmospheric circulation features. Furthermore, weather radar was used to assist in interpretation of the event-based data by revealing differences in storm pathways and precipitation intensity, thus enabling analysis of spatial and temporal variations in the isotopic composition of samples from multiple individual events. As such, the high-frequency sampling conducted in this study was proven to be a valuable tool for investigating short-term isotopic variability that is commonly masked by seasonal averages. Beginning in the spring of 2023, this network will not only include stations maintained by project personnel but will incorporate additional collection stations supported by citizen-science. By engaging the public in precipitation sampling, the project aims at cultivating a growing record of isotopic data that can be used to provide enhanced insight into local hydrological processes. Furthermore, data quality among precipitation samples is preserved through the deployment of precipitation collectors that have been designed to limit evaporation from samples. Most importantly, the research presented here has established a baseline dataset for the continued collection of stable isotope data in Flagstaff and will facilitate future isotope studies that may be meaningful to local water resource planning and management.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Flagstaff, Arizona; d-excess; monsoon; precipitation; stable isotopes
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences > Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Environmental Engineering
Date Deposited:	12 May 2025 21:31
Last Modified:	12 May 2025 21:31
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6128

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