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In cooperation with the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Stable-Isotope Ratios of Hydrogen and Oxygen in Precipitation at Norman, Oklahoma, 1996–2008

By Jeanne B. Jaeschke, Martha A. Scholl, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Jason R. Masoner, Scott Christenson, and Haiping Qi

ABSTRACT Precipitation samples for measurement of stable-isotope ratios of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) were collected at the Norman Landfill Research Site in Norman, Oklahoma, from May 1996 to October 2008. Rainfall amounts also were measured at the site (U.S. Geological Survey gaging station 07229053) during the collection period. The δ2H of precipitation samples ranged from −121.9 to +8.3 per mil, and the δ18O of precipitation ranged from –16.96 to +0.50 per mil. The volume-weighted average values for δ2H and δ18O of precipitation over the 12-year measurement period were −31.13 per mil for δ2H and −5.57 per mil for δ18O. Average summer-season δ2H and δ18O values of precipitation usually were more positive (enriched in the heavier isotopes) than winter values.

First posted June 24, 2011 Report PDF (5.85 MB) For additional information contact: Director, U.S. Geological Survey 202 NW 66th Street, Building 7 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116 World Wide Web: http://ok.water.usgs.gov/ Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.

Suggested citation:

Jaeschke, J.B., Scholl, M.A., Cozzarelli, I.M., Masoner, J.R., Christenson, Scott, and Qi, Haiping, 2011, Stable-isotope ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in precipitation at Norman, Oklahoma, 1996–2008: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report, 2011–5262, 22 p.

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Precipitation Characteristics and Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotope Ratios in Precipitation at the Norman Landfill, 1996–2008

Summary

Acknowledgements

References Cited

Appendix 1. Measurements of sample volume, ratios of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (δ²H and δ¹⁸O)

Appendix 2. Annual volume-weighted average deuterium and oxygen-18 (δ²H and δ¹⁸O) values