TRANSFORMATION OF THE INITIAL ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF PRECIPITATION IN CAVES OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN CAUCASUS
https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2015-8-2-4-12
Abstract
The paper presents preliminary results and interpretation from an ongoing research project in the Novy Afon and Abrskil caves of Abkhazia. The research have demonstrated that δ18O and δD analyses of drip and ground waters in two caves in the South-Western Caucasian region allows to better understand interaction between isotopic composition of precipitation, soil, and vadose zone. Drip and ground water samples from the caves were compared with the present-day Global (GMWL) and the Local Meteoric Water Lines (LMWL). They fall along the GMWL and LMWL and are tied by equation δD = 5.74δ18O - 6.98 (r2 = 0.94). Drip water isotopic composition is similar to that from lakes and pools. The incline of δ18O - δD line differs from GMWL and LMWL. It reflects a possible result from secondary condensation and evaporation and water-rock interaction, and depends on the climate aridity level.
About the Authors
Vladimir Mikhalenko
Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anna Kozachek
Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Janvarbi A. Ekba
Institute of Ecology, Abkhazian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
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For citations:
Mikhalenko V., Kozachek A., Ekba J.A. TRANSFORMATION OF THE INITIAL ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF PRECIPITATION IN CAVES OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN CAUCASUS. GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY. 2015;8(2):4-12. https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2015-8-2-4-12
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