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Modeling Snow Dynamics and Stable Water Isotopes Across Mountain Landscapes

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL098780· OSTI ID:1892100
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4];  [5];  [5];  [5];  [6]
  1. Desert Research Institute Reno NV USA
  2. National Snow and Ice Data Center Boulder CO USA
  3. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA USA
  4. Princeton University Princeton NJ USA
  5. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Gothic CO USA
  6. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA USA, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Gothic CO USA
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Abstract

A coupled hydrologic and snowpack stable water isotope model assesses controls on isotopic inputs across a mountainous basin. Annually, the most depleted isotope conditions occur in the upper subalpine where snow accumulation is high, and rainfall is low. Snowmelt isotopic evolution over time indicates fractionation processes account for <25% snowmelt enrichment. Meltwater isotopic inputs are largely determined by controls on the amount, phase and isotopic mass of precipitation coincident with the ablation period. Effect of vapor loss from the snowpack on d‐excess in snowmelt is a balance between energy and snow‐availability. It is highest above treeline, and in the grass and aspen‐dominated portions of the upper montane where vegetation shading is low. Deep snowpack in conifer forests limit the influence of vapor loss in the subalpine. Wet years reduce the effects of vapor loss on snowmelt across the basin, except in the lower montane where added snowfall bolsters snow‐limited conditions.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
1892100
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1894643
OSTI ID: 1894960
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 20 Vol. 49; ISSN 0094-8276
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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