Correlation of seasonal precipitation isotopic profile with the modern climatological data: a case study from the western Newfoundland region of Canada

The measurement of stable water isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) in precipitation is a powerful tool for detecting changes in climate patterns, groundwater movements, and hydrological budget. In this study, daily precipitation was collected and δ¹⁸O and δ²H were analyzed in Corner Brook, western Newfoundland for 2015. The study provides the first background data of any kind related to water isotopes in western Newfoundland. 134 samples were analyzed using the Picarro Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer L2130-i, with a minimal instrumental error. The data suggest seasonal variations in which the δ¹⁸O varies from -33.4 to -0.03 ‰ (±0.023 ‰) and δ²H ranges from -253.4 to 15.1 ‰ (±0.148 ‰). Our data are compared with modern meteorological data and publicly available δ¹⁸O and δ²H data from greater Atlantic Canada, which suggests that the atmospheric circulation patterns, spatial features, and other climate factors are distinct in Corner Brook. Isotopes in meteorological precipitation data referenced and collected in this study reflect the cool, wet climate and air-mass fluctuations unique to the geographical region and thus, this baseline is fundamental to understanding the modern isotope hydrological/climatic studies for this region.