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.

莱索托东部高地被称为南非的“水塔”。该地区的水文气候对于通过莱索托高地水项目供应南非境内的基础设施至关重要。然而，莱索托很容易受到气候变化的影响，水分模式的变化可能会对水资源供应产生重大影响，预测表明莱索托到 21 世纪末可能会出现水资源短缺。降水的氢和氧同位素是水分来源的重要示踪剂，可用于更好地了解水文气候过程。然而，整个南部非洲的同位素数据有限。该项目将包括莱索托的两次季节性地表水采样活动，通过同位素分析评估水分源的时间和空间变化。该数据将与反向轨迹 HYSPLIT 建模相结合，以更好地了解水分源路径。这些信息可用于帮助决策者改善莱索托和南非的水资源管理。