Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://idr.l4.nitk.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/12845
Title: Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of major Indian rivers: A first global assessment
Authors: Lambs, L.
Balakrishna, K.
Brunet, F.
Probst, J.L.
Issue Date: 2005
Citation: Hydrological Processes, 2005, Vol.19, 17, pp.3345-3355
Abstract: Nine major rivers have been sampled around the Indian subcontinent to give an overview of the surface water characteristics. Both 18O and deuterium have been measured to determine the origin of the water and the possible evapotranspiration process. The major ions have also been analysed to obtain complementary information. Although some basins have been studied previously (mainly in the north), this is the first attempt at a wider investigation of major Indian rivers. The results are discussed from the perspective of the hydroclimatological, geographical and geological specificity of the river basins. ? 18O values vary from light-isotope-enriched Himalayan rivers to heavy-isotope-enriched peninsular Indian rivers in a northwest-southeast gradient across the subcontinent. There is more evapotranspiration, leading to heavy isotope enrichment, in the peninsular (southern Deccan) rivers compared with the light-isotope-enriched snow- and glacier-melt-derived waters of the Himalayan rivers. The ?18O values of Indian rivers correspond roughly to the ?18O values of the rains falling over the subcontinent. However, the influence of tributaries is dominant over rainfall in rivers like the Narmada and Tapti. The Cauvery and Krishna rivers show maximum evapotranspiration and sodium pollution, as indicated by the ?18O values, deuterium excess and major ion data. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
URI: http://idr.nitk.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/12845
Appears in Collections:1. Journal Articles

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
12845.pdf249.01 kBAdobe PDFThumbnail
View/Open


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.