Tracking raindrops, one molecule at a time

Science Daily  October 25, 2022 A team of researchers in the US (U Mass. Amherst, University of Alaska) studied the mechanisms of precipitation deuterium excess (d-excess) seasonality in low-latitudes and mid-latitudes through a new analysis of precipitation isotope databases along with climate reanalysis products and moisture tracking models. The ultimate d-excess signals are produced after complex modulations by several reinforcing or competing processes. They developed a simple seasonal water storage model to show that contributions of previously evaporated residual water storage and higher transpiration fractions may lead to relatively low d-excess in evapotranspiration fluxes during periods of enhanced continental moisture […]