Stable isotope systematics of surface water bodies in the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan (Kashmir) region

Abstract

Stable hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ ¹⁸O) isotope ratios of the headwaters of the Indus and its tributaries, surface ice in glaciers, saline and fresh water lakes and thermal springs in the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan (Kashmir) region are reported. The δD−δ¹⁸ relationship for the river samples shows a slope of 9.12±0.29 which agrees well with the estimate of 8.99±0.33 based on a simple Rayleigh fractionation model. The unique signature of a higher deuterium excess (d) of the 'Western Disturbance' is preserved in these samples. An altitude effect of −0.9 per mil/km is observed in the δ¹⁸O of Indus waters. At a lower altitude (Beas) the altitude effect is almost double, indicating that the altitude effect decreases with elevation in this region.