Spatial distribution of the isotopic composition of precipitation and spring water in Greece

• Published in: Global and planetary change 2010-04, Vol.71 (3), p.141-149
• Main Authors: Dotsika, Elissavet, Lykoudis, Spyridon, Poutoukis, Dimitrios
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athens; Greece; gridded data; Mathematical analysis; Meteoric waters; Mountains; Position (location); Precipitation; Signatures; Spring water; Springs; stable isotopes
• ISSN: 0921-8181; 1872-6364
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2009.10.007

This paper reviews all available stable isotopic data concerning precipitation and spring water in Greece, from the 1960s until today. Spatial variability is investigated in order to provide basic information and identify the locally significant parameters that affect isotopic distributions. The area of interest was partitioned into eight sections according to geographical location and climatic characteristics. The distance of the station from the sea and the altitude are the main factors imprinted in the isotopic signature of precipitation. Local meteoric water meteoric line (LMWL) for precipitation and spring water were calculated for each section and for Greece as a whole. Precipitation LMWLs differ from the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) in various ways across Greece. Elevated deuterium excess values are observed, probably due to water vapour originating from the Aegean or the Mid-eastern Mediterranean. Spring LMWLs are more or less consistent throughout the country. Furthermore, a high resolution map of precipitation and freshwater spring (Cl − < 200 ppm and T < 25 °C) δ 18O reveals several interesting features such as an orographic shadow effect induced by the Pindos Mountains, a strong climatic signal in southern Greece and a local city-microclimate effect around Athens.