By Lyn Benjamin, Consulting Hydrologist, LeRoy L. Knobel, U.S. Geological Survey, L. Flint Hall, State of Idaho INEEL Oversight Program, L. DeWayne Cecil, U.S. Geological Survey, and Jaromy R. Green, Garden City Community College, Kansas
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5126
January 2005
Linear-regression analysis was applied to stable hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) isotope data in 72 snow-core and precipitation samples collected during 1999-2001 to determine the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) for southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and south-central Montana.
On the basis of (1) residuals from the regression model, (2) comparison of study-area deuterium-excess (d-excess) values with the global range of d-excess values, and (3) outlier analysis by means of Chauvenet's Criterion, values of four samples were excluded from final regression analysis of the dataset. Regression results for the 68 remaining samples yielded a LMWL defined by the equation ²H = 7.95 18O + 8.09 (r² = 0.98).
This equation will be useful as a reference point for future studies in this area that use stable isotopes of H and O to determine sources of ground-water recharge, to determine water-mineral exchange, to evaluate surface-water and groundwater interaction, and to analyze many other geochemical and hydrologic problems.
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Description of Study Area
Regional Geology
Climate
Previous Investigations
Acknowledgments
Methods
Sample Collection
Quality Assurance
Results of delta hydrogen-2 and oxygen-18 analyses
Linear-Regression Model
Calculation of Deuterium-Excess
Development of local meteoric water line
Summary and conclusions
Selected references
U.S. Geological Survey
INEEL, MS 1160
P.O. Box 2230
Idaho Falls, ID 83403
Website: http://id.water.usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey
Information Services
Box 25286, Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
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