Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1968
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1968
16 Aug 2024
 | 16 Aug 2024

A new high-resolution groundwater isoscape for South-East Germany: insights from differences to precipitation

Aixala Gaillard, Robert van Geldern, Johannes Arthur Christopher Barth, and Christine Stumpp

Abstract. Stable water isotopes are important tracers to understand interactions between all compartments of the hydrological cycle. Particularly in groundwater studies they have been used to assess recharge and origin of groundwater. Based on high- density groundwater measurements, we produced a new, interpolated map of the δ18O distribution (i.e. an isoscape) in groundwater of south-east Germany. A comparison of this groundwater isoscape to the regional long-term precipitation isoscape showed differences of up to ±2 ‰ between both compartments. Groundwater was enriched in the light isotope 16O compared to precipitation in the alpine area where recharge occurs mainly during winter and at recharge areas at higher altitudes. However, groundwater was enriched in the heavy isotope 18O with respect to precipitation in drier lowland regions where summer recharge, irrigation practices and aquifer types as well as evaporation processes may play a role. Further comparative studies between precipitation and groundwater stable water isotopes by using time series are needed to improve the understanding of spatial and seasonal recharge patterns of groundwater.

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Aixala Gaillard, Robert van Geldern, Johannes Arthur Christopher Barth, and Christine Stumpp

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1968', Giacomo Medici, 30 Aug 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Aixala Gaillard, 22 Oct 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Aixala Gaillard, 22 Oct 2024
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1968', Xuegao Chen, 05 Sep 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Aixala Gaillard, 22 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1968', Anonymous Referee #2, 10 Sep 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Aixala Gaillard, 22 Oct 2024
Aixala Gaillard, Robert van Geldern, Johannes Arthur Christopher Barth, and Christine Stumpp
Aixala Gaillard, Robert van Geldern, Johannes Arthur Christopher Barth, and Christine Stumpp

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Short summary
We produced a new interpolated map of stable isotopes in groundwater in southern Germany and compared it to local precipitation. Interestingly, discrepancies were found between those two compartments of the hydrological cycle, highlighting different recharge patterns and evaporation processes in the northern and southern part of the study area. This research provides insights to understand the different groundwater recharge patterns on a large scale and eventually for groundwater management.