Isotopic temporal and spatial variations of tropical rivers in Thailand reflect monsoon precipitation signals

• Published in: Hydrological processes 2021-03, Vol.35 (3), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Laonamsai, Jeerapong, Ichiyanagi, Kimpei, Patsinghasanee, Supapap
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Altitude effects; Atmospheric precipitations; catchment; Catchment area; Catchment areas; Composition; d‐excess; Evaporation; Evaporation effects; Hydrology; Irrigation systems; Isotope composition; Isotopes; isotopic variability; Monsoon precipitation; Monsoons; Mountains; Overland flow; Precipitation; Rain; Rainfall; Regions; River basins; River discharge; River flow; river isotopes; River runoff; River water; Rivers; Runoff; Seasonal variations; Seasonality; Southwest monsoon; Spatial variations; Surface runoff; Temporal variations; Transit time; Tropical climate; Wind; δ18O
• ISSN: 0885-6087; 1099-1085
• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.14068

Stable isotopic compositions (δ18O and d‐excess) from 25 rivers in Thailand were analysed monthly during 2013–2015. Results indicated that monsoon precipitation fundamentally influences the river isotopes. The overland flow supplied from monsoon precipitation and human‐altered flow regimes produces considerable isotopic variability. Spatial and temporal variations were observed among four principal geographical regions. The seasonality of monsoon precipitation in mountainous Thailand produced large variations in isotopic compositions because most rainfall occurred during the southwest monsoon, and dry conditions prevailed during the northeast monsoon. The northern and northeastern regions are mountainous, highland areas. Low δ18O values were found in these regions, likely because of altitude effects on precipitation. Conversely, monsoonal precipitation continually supplies rivers in southern Thailand all year round, producing higher and more consistent δ18O values than in the other regions. The Chao Phraya plain in the central region experienced enrichment of δ18O river runoff related to evaporation in irrigation systems. Larger catchment areas and longer residence times resulted in more pronounced evaporation effects, producing lower values of d‐excess and local river water line slopes compared with precipitation. The isotopic differences between river waters and precipitation were utilized to determine river recharge elevations and water transit time. The methods presented here can be used to explore hydrological interactions in other tropical river basins. Stable isotope in 25 Thai rivers was carried during 2013–2015. The national spatiotemporal variability showed that δ18O decreased latitudinally. The d‐excess values were high in the southern region and low in the northeast region due to evaporation effect.