Development of a local meteoric water line for southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and south-central Montana

Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5126
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Abstract

Linear-regression analysis was applied to stable hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) isotope data in 72 snow-core and precipitation samples collected during 1999-2001 to determine the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) for southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and south-central Montana. On the basis of (1) residuals from the regression model, (2) comparison of study-area deuterium-excess (d-excess) values with the global range of d-excess values, and (3) outlier analysis by means of Chauvenet's Criterion, values of four samples were excluded from final regression analysis of the dataset. Regression results for the 68 remaining samples yielded a LMWL defined by the equation ?H = 7.95 18O + 8.09 (r? = 0.98). This equation will be useful as a reference point for future studies in this area that use stable isotopes of H and O to determine sources of ground-water recharge, to determine water-mineral exchange, to evaluate surface-water and groundwater interaction, and to analyze many other geochemical and hydrologic problems.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Development of a local meteoric water line for southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and south-central Montana
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2004-5126
DOI 10.3133/sir20045126
Edition -
Year Published 2005
Language ENGLISH
Description NA
Scale 1000000
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