Spatial variability in stable isotopes from Lesotho surface waters: insights into regional moisture transport.

莱索托地表水稳定同位素的空间变异：深入了解区域水分输送。

• 批准号: 2843424
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: University College London
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2023
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2023 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2843424
• 关键词: Spatial; variability; stable; isotopes; Lesotho

The Eastern Lesotho Highlands are known as the 'water towers' of South Africa. The hydroclimate of the region is critical for supplying infrastructure within South Africa through the Lesotho Highland Water Project. However, Lesotho is vulnerable to climate change and shifts in moisture patterns could have major implications on water availability with projections indicating that Lesotho may experience water scarcity by the end of the 21st century. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of precipitation are important tracers of moisture sources and can be used to better understand hydroclimate processes. However, isotopic data is limited across Southern Africa. This project will consist of two seasonal surface water sampling campaigns in Lesotho to assess the temporal and spatial variability of moisture sources through isotope analysis. The data will be integrated with back trajectory HYSPLIT modelling to provide a better understanding of moisture source pathways. This information can then be used to help inform policy makers to improve water resource management within Lesotho and South Africa.

莱索托高地被称为南非的“水塔”。该地区的氢化气候对于通过Lesotho Highland Water Project在南非供应基础设施至关重要。但是，莱索托容易受到气候变化的攻击，水分模式的变化可能会对水的供应产生重大影响，这表明莱索托可能在21世纪末遇到水稀缺性。沉淀的氢和氧同位素是水分源的重要示踪剂，可用于更好地理解氢气候过程。但是，南部非洲的同位素数据受到限制。该项目将包括莱索托（Lesotho）的两个季节性地表水采样活动，以评估通过同位素分析的水分来源的时间和空间变异性。数据将与背部轨迹HySplit建模集成在一起，以更好地了解水分源途径。然后，这些信息可用于帮助政策制定者改善莱索托和南非的水资源管理。