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Ogrinc, N.* ; Kanduc, T.* ; Stichler, W. ; Vreca, P.*

Spatial and seasonal variations in delta18O and deltaD values in the River Sava in Slovenia.

J. Hydrol. 359, 303-312 (2008)
DOI
Open Access Green as soon as Postprint is submitted to ZB.
Stable isotope measurements of oxygen and hydrogen (delta18O and deltaD) in stream waters and precipitation were used to investigate hydrological pathways and residence times in the River Sava catchment in Slovenia. delta18O and deltaD values of precipitation exhibited strong seasonal variations. Precipitation is of mixed Atlantic–Mediterranean origin which is also reflected in the isotopic composition of River Sava surface waters. The isotopic content of the river water is dependent on temperature, elevation of the recharge area and amount of precipitation. Spatially, rivers water is 16O-enriched in the high mountain areas due to higher amount of precipitation, lower temperature and higher elevation of the recharge area, while in the lower part of the River Sava catchments the delta18O values are higher. It is also observed that the River Sava responds quickly to precipitation which is reflected in its delta18O and deltaD values and the low residence time estimated in the river. Using an exponential flow model it was calculated that mean stream water residence times varied between 0.4 and 2.1 years. The shortest residence time determined at Savica is connected mainly to the higher amount of precipitation in the upper Sava watershed and the mountains carbonate karst terrain characterized by a higher runoff. The mean residence time in the main stream water of the River Sava was estimated to be 1.32 years and is in a good agreement with the residence time determined using 3H measurements. These data extend our knowledge in understanding the hydrological cycle of the River Sava, the interactions between precipitation, surface water and groundwater and, at the same time, demonstrate the utility of isotope tracers in determining catchments characteristics.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Scientific Article
Corresponding Author
Keywords Stable isotopes; River Sava; Precipitation; Hydrology; Residence time
ISSN (print) / ISBN 0022-1694
e-ISSN 1879-2707
Journal Journal of Hydrology
Quellenangaben Volume: 359, Issue: 3-4, Pages: 303-312 Article Number: , Supplement: ,
Publisher Elsevier
Non-patent literature Publications
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Institute of Groundwater Ecology (IGOE)