Physical constraints on c13 and δ for transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks

Based on the theory of anisotropic elasticity and observation of static mechanic measurement of transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks or rock‐like materials, we reasoned that one of the three principal Poisson's ratios of transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks should always be greater than the other two and they should be generally positive. From these relations, we derived tight physical constraints on c₁₃, Thomsen parameter δ, and anellipticity parameter η. Some of the published data from laboratory velocity anisotropy measurement are lying outside of the constraints. We analysed that they are primarily caused by substantial uncertainty associated with the oblique velocity measurement. These physical constraints will be useful for our understanding of Thomsen parameter δ, data quality checking, and predicting δ from measurements perpendicular and parallel to the symmetrical axis of transversely isotropic medium. The physical constraints should also have potential application in anisotropic seismic data processing.     

单斜介质中方位NMO速度Thomsen参数反演方法研究

采用启发式共轭梯度法,即随机爬山法 + 共轭梯度法,利用单斜介质中P波方位NMO速度椭圆轴向偏转角度接近于零这一特性,简化P波方位NMO速度公式,并利用多方位P波NMO速度,反演出某一初始CMP观测线与自然坐标系之间的夹角,作为进一步进行Thomsen各向异性参数反演的基础. 根据各向异性介质中方位NMO速度与Thomsen参数之间的关系,建立了利用三种波的多方位NMO速度及垂直传播速度反演单层单斜各向异性介质Thomsen各向异性参数的目标函数. 对计算的理论值添加具有一定标准差的正态分布的随机噪声,用以模拟实际观测存在的误差,通过对加噪后的数据进行多次反演的误差分析,表明了所建立的目标函数及选用的反演方法是有效可行的,而且相对稳定.     

TTI介质各向异性参数多波反演与PS波AVO分析

把遗传算法引入到了TTI介质AVO信息反演各向异性参数的过程中,依据TTI介质PP波、PS波反射系数公式,建立Thomsen参数和TTI介质对称轴倾角、方位角的目标函数,分别通过PP波和PS波的反射系数反演出了各向异性参数和对称轴倾角、方位角等信息.文中对反演结果的精确度和稳定性进行了分析,发现PS波的反演结果优于PP波反演结果;对称轴倾角的反演准确性明显优于对称轴方位角.本文通过模型正演合理解释了这一现象的原因.最后,本文通过对PS波AVO梯度的研究,提出了利用PS波振幅定性分析TTI介质对称轴倾角的方法.     

Assessing DOC export from a Sphagnum‐dominated peatland using δ13C and δ18O–H2O stable isotopes

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) originating in peatlands can be mineralized to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), two potent greenhouse gases. Knowledge of the dynamics of DOC export via run‐off is needed for a more robust quantification of C cycling in peatland ecosystems, a prerequisite for realistic predictions of future climate change. We studied dispersion pathways of DOC in a mountain‐top peat bog in the Czech Republic (Central Europe), using a dual isotope approach. Although δ¹³C_DOC values made it possible to link exported DOC with its within‐bog source, δ¹⁸O_H2O values of precipitation and run‐off helped to understand run‐off generation. Our 2‐year DOC–H₂O isotope monitoring was complemented by a laboratory peat incubation study generating an experimental time series of δ¹³C_DOC values. DOC concentrations in run‐off during high‐flow periods were 20–30 mg L^?1. The top 2 cm of the peat profile, composed of decaying green moss, contained isotopically lighter C than deeper peat, and this isotopically light C was present in run‐off in high‐flow periods. In contrast, baseflow contained only 2–10 mg DOC L^?1, and its more variable C isotope composition intermittently fingerprinted deeper peat. DOC in run‐off occasionally contained isotopically extremely light C whose source in solid peat substrate was not identified. Pre‐event water made up on average 60% of the water run‐off flux, whereas direct precipitation contributed 40%. Run‐off response to precipitation was relatively fast. A highly leached horizon was identified in shallow catotelm. This peat layer was likely affected by a lateral influx of precipitation. Within 36 days of laboratory incubation, isotopically heavy DOC that had been initially released from the peat was replaced by isotopically lighter DOC, whose δ¹³C values converged to the solid substrate and natural run‐off. We suggest that δ¹³C systematics can be useful in identification of vertically stratified within‐bog DOC sources for peatland run‐off.     

Modern stable isotopic (δ18O, δ2H, δ13C) variation in terrestrial,fluvial, estuarine and marine waters from north‐central Sarawak,Malaysian Borneo

Stable isotope data on humid tropical hydrology are scarce and, at present, no such data exist for Borneo. Delta¹⁸O, δ²H and δ¹³C were analysed on 22 water samples from different parts of the Sungai (river) Niah basin (rain, cave drip, rainforest pool, tributary stream, river, estuary, sea) in north‐central Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. This was done to improve understanding of the modern stable isotope systematics of the Sungai Niah basin, essential for the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the Late Quaternary stable isotope proxies preserved in the Great Cave of Niah. The Niah hydrology data are put into a regional context using the meteoric water line for Southeast Asia, as derived from International Atomic Energy Agency/World Meteorological Organization isotopes in precipitation network data. Although the Niah hydrological data‐set is relatively small, spatial isotopic variability was found for the different subenvironments of the Sungai Niah basin. A progressive enrichment occurs towards the South China Sea (δ¹⁸O ?4·6‰; δ²H ?29·3‰; δ¹³C ?4·8‰) from the tributary stream (δ¹⁸O ?8·4‰; δ²H ?54·7‰; δ¹³C ?14·5‰) to up‐river (δ¹⁸O c. ?8‰; δ²H c. ?51‰; δ¹³C c. ?12‰) and down‐river values (δ¹⁸O c. ?7·5‰; δ²H c. ?45‰; δ¹³C c. ?11‰). This is thought to reflect differential evaporation and mixing of different components of the water cycle and a combination of depleted biogenic δ¹³C (plant respiration and decay) with enriched δ¹³C values (due to photosynthesis, atmospheric exchange, mixing with limestone and marine waters) downstream. Cave drip waters are relatively enriched in δ¹³C as compared to the surface waters. This may indicate rapid degassing of the cave drips as they enter the cave atmosphere. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sulfur and carbon isotopic systematics of Guadalupian‐Lopingian (Permian) mid‐Panthalassa: δ34S and δ13C profiles in accreted paleo‐atoll carbonates in Japan

Immediately before the extinction of the end‐Guadalupian (Middle Permian; ca 260 Ma), a significant change to the global carbon cycle occurred in the superocean Panthalassa, as indicated by a prominent positive δ¹³C excursion called the Kamura event. However, the causes of this event and its connection to the major extinction of marine invertebrates remain unclear. To understand the mutual relationships between these changes, we analyzed the sulfur isotope ratio of the carbonate‐associated sulfate (CAS) and HCl‐insoluble residue, as well as the carbon isotope ratio of bulk organic matter, for the Middle‐Upper Permian carbonates of an accreted mid‐oceanic paleo‐atoll complex from Japan, where the Kamura event was first documented. We detected the following unique aspects of the stable carbon and sulfur isotope records. First, the extremely high δ¹³C values of carbonate (δ¹³C_carb) over +5 ‰ during the Capitanian (late Guadalupian) were associated with large isotopic differences between carbonate and organic matter (Δ¹³C = δ¹³C_carb ? δ¹³C_org). We infer that the Capitanian Kamura event reflected an unusually large amount of dissolved organic matter in the expanded oxygen minimum zone at mid‐depth. Second, the δ³⁴S values of CAS (δ³⁴S_CAS) were inversely correlated with the δ¹³C_carb values during the Capitanian to early Wuchiapingian (early Late Permian) interval. The Capitanian trend may have appeared under increased oceanic sulfate conditions, which were accelerated by intense volcanic outgassing. Bacterial sulfate reduction with increased sulfate concentrations in seawater may have stimulated the production of pyrite that may have incorporated iron in pre‐existing iron hydroxide/oxide. This stimulated phosphorus release, which enhanced organic matter production and resulted in high δ¹³C_carb. Low δ³⁴S_CAS values under high sulfate concentrations were maintained and the continuous supply of sulfate cannot by explained only by the volcanic eruption of the Emeishan Trap, which has been proposed as a cause of the extinction. The Wuchiapingian δ³⁴S_CAS–δ¹³C_carb correlation, likely related to low sulfate concentration, may have been caused by the removal of oceanic sulfate through the massive evaporite deposition.     

Dissolved inorganic carbon sourcing using δ13CDIC from a karst influenced river system

Rivers, representing the primary conduits of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the continents to the oceans, are important components to the global carbon cycle. To better understand the complex carbon cycling dynamics within two nested, mixed lithology watersheds, two sites were studied along the karst influenced upper Green River in south‐central Kentucky, USA. Weekly samples were collected from June 2013 through May 2014 and analyzed for δ¹³C_DIC. The mixing model IsoSource was employed to better understand source partitioning differences over seasonal time spans and across the two nested basins. In both the lithologically mixed upstream basin (53% carbonate rocks, 47% siliciclastic) and carbonate rock dominated downstream basin (96% carbonate rocks in the drainage area between Greensburg and Munfordville, 78% in the total area upstream from Munfordville), DIC was primarily derived from soil respiration. The proportion of DIC from dissolved carbonate minerals derived from the downstream carbonate rock dominated basin was similar to the upstream basin, due to carbonate mineral dissolution having such a consistent effect on the overall DIC content of the river. Seasonally, soil respiration provided the most DIC from fall to winter. Early spring precipitation, combined with limited seasonal photosynthesis, shifted groundwater to be the primary source of DIC, bringing in a flush of carbonate mineral‐rich water during higher flows. This study provides insight into carbon dynamics across multiple lithologies and the important influence of seasonality using carbon isotope sourcing to determine carbonate mineral dissolution variability and aid in understanding its contribution to global carbon flux quantification. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Variation of δ18O, δD and 3H in karst springs of south Kashmir,western Himalayas (India)

Water samples were collected from cold and warm karst springs for stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δD) and ³H from SE of Kashmir valley (western Himalayas) to distinguish the sources of recharge and infer their recharge areas. The spring water samples were most depleted in heavier isotopes in May (average δ¹⁸O: ?8.87‰ and δD: ?50.3‰) and enriched in September (average δ¹⁸O: ?7.58‰ and δD: ?48.1‰). The depleted ¹⁸O and ²H of spring waters bear the signatures of winter precipitation while as the enriched ¹⁸O and ²H of spring waters bear the signature of summer rainfall. D‐excess and ³H corroborate with the stable isotope results that the spring flow in spring season (May) and autumn (September) is dominantly controlled by the melting of winter snowmelt and summer rainfall, respectively. The results showed that unlike δD, the δ¹⁸O value in the karst spring waters decreases in January suggesting δ¹⁸O shift. The spring water samples also fall above the Local Meteoric Water Line and Global Meteoric Water Line indicating the δ¹⁸O shift due to interaction of groundwater with the host carbonate rocks during its traverse. The mean elevation of the recharge areas of the springs using δ¹⁸O and δD tracers was also estimated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Continuous monitoring of stream δ18O and δ2H and stormflow hydrograph separation using laser spectrometry in an agricultural catchment

A portable Wavelength Scanned‐Cavity Ring‐Down Spectrometer (Picarro L2120) fitted with a diffusion sampler (DS‐CRDS) was used for the first time to continuously measure δ¹⁸O and δ²H of stream water. The experiment took place during a storm event in a wet tropical agricultural catchment in north‐eastern Australia. At a temporal resolution of one minute, the DS‐CRDS measured 2160 δ¹⁸O and δ²H values continuously over a period of 36 h with a precision of ±0.08 and 0.5‰ for δ¹⁸O and δ²H, respectively. Four main advantages in using high temporal resolution stream δ¹⁸O and δ²H data during a storm event are highlighted from this study. First, they enabled us to separate components of the hydrograph, which was not possible using high temporal resolution electrical conductivity data that represented changes in solute transfers during the storm event rather than physical hydrological processes. The results from the hydrograph separation confirm fast groundwater contribution to the stream, with the first 5 h of increases in stream discharge comprising over 70% pre‐event water. Second, the high temporal resolution stream δ¹⁸O and δ²H data allowed us to detect a short‐lived reversal in stream isotopic values (δ¹⁸O increase by 0.4‰ over 9 min), which was observed immediately after the heavy rainfall period. Third, δ¹⁸O values were used to calculate a time lag of 20 min between the physical and chemical stream responses during the storm event. Finally, the hydrograph separation highlights the role of event waters in the runoff transfers of herbicides and nutrients from this heavily cultivated catchment to the Great Barrier Reef. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characteristics of δ13CDIC in lakes on the Tibetan Plateau and its implications for the carbon cycle

Dissolved inorganic carbon isotope (δ¹³C_DIC) is an important tool to reveal the carbon cycle in lake systems. However, there are only few studies focusing on the spatial variation of δ¹³C_DIC of closed lakes. Here we analyze the characteristics of δ¹³C_DIC of 24 sampled lakes (mainly closed lakes) across the Qiangtang Plateau (QTP) and identify the driving factors for its spatial variation. The δ¹³C_DIC value of these observed lakes varies in the range of ? 15·0 to 3·2‰, with an average value of ? 1·2‰. The δ¹³C_DIC value of closed lakes is close to the atmospheric isotopic equilibrium value, much higher than that in rivers and freshwater lakes reported before. The high δ¹³C_DIC value of closed lakes is mainly attributed to the significant contribution of carbonate weathering in the catchment and the evasion of dissolved CO₂ induced by the strong evaporation of lake water. The δ¹³C_DIC value of closed lakes has a logarithmic correlation with water chemistry (TDS, DIC and pCO₂), also suggesting that the evapo‐concentration of lake water can influence the δ¹³C_DIC value. The δ¹³C_DIC value shows two opposite logarithmic correlations with lake size depending on the δ¹³C_DIC range. This study suggests that the δ¹³C in carbonates in lacustrine sediments can be taken as an indicator of lake volume variation in closed lakes on QTP. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) in surface waters of arid,mountainous Central Asia

Characterization of spatial and temporal variability of stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) of surface waters is essential to interpret hydrological processes and establish modern isotope–elevation gradients across mountainous terrains. Here, we present stable isotope data for river waters across Kyrgyzstan. River water isotopes exhibit substantial spatial heterogeneity among different watersheds in Kyrgyzstan. Higher river water isotope values were found mainly in the Issyk‐Kul Lake watershed, whereas waters in the Son‐Kul Lake watershed display lower values. Results show a close δ¹⁸O–δ²H relation between river water and the local meteoric water line, implying that river water experiences little evaporative enrichment. River water from the high‐elevation regions (e.g., Naryn and Son‐Kul Lake watershed) had the most negative isotope values, implying that river water is dominated by snowmelt. Higher deuterium excess (average d = 13.9‰) in river water probably represents the isotopic signature of combined contributions from direct precipitation and glacier melt in stream discharge across Kyrgyzstan. A significant relationship between river water δ¹⁸O and elevation was observed with a vertical lapse rate of 0.13‰/100 m. These findings provide crucial information about hydrological processes across Kyrgyzstan and contribute to a better understanding of the paleoclimate/elevation reconstruction of this region.     

A tale of two isotopes: differences in hydrograph separation for a runoff event when using δD versus δ18O

It is often assumed that stable water isotopes (δD and δ¹⁸O) provide redundant information for a given sample of water. In this note we illustrate that the choice of isotope used may influence the resultant hydrograph separation. This is especially true in light of the spatial and temporal variability in the isotopic composition of rainfall water at the catchment scale. We present several possible hydrograph separations based on both δD and δ¹⁸O observed in rainfall for a single runoff event occurring in the southwest USA. This study demonstrates the potential of using both stable water isotopes by showing that δD and δ¹⁸O may provide unique information for catchment hydrologists. We also report on the utility of new technology capable of simultaneous measurements of both δD and δ¹⁸O using off‐axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA‐ICOS) methods. This may be of interest to catchment hydrologists seeking to incorporate this type of equipment into their laboratory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Combining isotopic tracers (222Rn and δ13C) for improved modelling of groundwater discharge to small rivers

In regions where aquifers sustain rivers, the location and quantification of groundwater discharge to surface water are important to prevent pollution hazards, to quantify and predict low flows and to manage water supplies. ²²²Rn is commonly used to determine groundwater discharge to rivers. However, using this isotopic tracer is challenging because of the high diffusion capacity of ²²²Rn in open water. This study illustrates how a combination of isotopic tracers can contribute to an enhanced understanding of groundwater discharge patterns in small rivers. The aim of this paper is to combine ²²²Rn and δ¹³C_DIC to better constrain the physical parameters related to the degassing process of these tracers in rivers. The Hallue River (northern France) was targeted for this study because it is sustained almost exclusively by a fractured chalk aquifer. The isotopes ²²²Rn, δ¹³C_DIC, δ²H and δ¹⁸O were analysed along with other natural geochemical tracers. A mass balance model was used to simulate ²²²Rn and δ¹³C_DIC. The results of δ²H and δ¹⁸O analyses prove that evaporation did not occur in the river. The calibration of a numerical model to reproduce ²²²Rn and δ¹³C_DIC provides a best‐fit diffusive layer thickness of 3.21 × 10^?5 m. This approach is particularly useful for small rivers flowing over carbonate aquifers with high groundwater DIC where the evolution of river DIC reflects the competing processes of groundwater inflow and CO₂ degassing. This approach provides a means to evaluate groundwater discharge in small ungauged rivers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical studies of vertical Cl−, δ2H and δ18O profiles in the aquifer–aquitard system in the Pearl River Delta,China

Sedimentation may have a significant effect on the transport of solutes and environmental isotopes in sediment. The depth profiles of the Cl^?, δ²H and δ¹⁸O in a borehole in the aquifer–aquitard system in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China, were obtained by centrifuging the core sediment samples. A one‐dimensional model based on the sedimentation and sea level changes of the PRD during the Holocene was built to investigate numerically the transport mechanisms of Cl^?, δ²H and δ¹⁸O. The sedimentation process was modelled as a moving boundary problem with the moving rate equal to the sedimentation rate. The model was calibrated and the parameters were obtained by comparing simulated and measured data. Very good agreement between all the three observed profiles and the simulated ones demonstrates the reliability of the model and the parameters. Simulation results show that the shapes of the curves are controlled by the combination of sedimentation and upper boundary conditions. Diffusion solely is adequate to reconstruct the observed profiles, which indicates that diffusion is the dominant vertical transport mechanism. The effective diffusion coefficients of the aquitard and the aquifer equal to 5.0 × 10^?11 and 2.0 × 10^?10 m²/s, respectively. The results of this study will help in understanding the transport mechanisms of solutes and environmental tracers in deltas with geology and hydrogeology similar to the PRD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Groundwater recharge in the Akaki catchment,central Ethiopia: evidence from environmental isotopes (δ18O, δ2H and 3H) and chloride mass balance

Recharge patterns, possible flow paths and the relative age of groundwater in the Akaki catchment in central Ethiopia have been investigated using stable environmental isotopes δ¹⁸O and δ²H and radioactive tritium (³H) coupled with conservative chloride measurements. Stable isotopic signatures are encoded in the groundwater solely from summer rainfall. Thus, groundwater recharge occurs predominantly in the summer months from late June to early September during the major Ethiopian rainy season. Winter recharge is lost through high evaporation–evapotranspiration within the unsaturated zone after relatively long dry periods of high accumulated soil moisture deficits. Chloride mass balance coupled with the isotope results demonstrates the presence of both preferential and piston flow groundwater recharge mechanisms. The stable and radioactive isotope measurements further revealed that groundwater in the Akaki catchment is found to be compartmentalized into zones. Groundwater mixing following the flow paths and topography is complicated by the lithologic complexity. An uncommon, highly depleted stable isotope and zero‐³H groundwater, observed in a nearly east–west stretch through the central sector of the catchment, is coincident with the Filwoha Fault zone. Here, deep circulating meteoric water has lost its isotopic content through exchange reactions with CO₂ originating at deeper sources or it has been recharged with precipitation from a different rainfall regime with a depleted isotopic content. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Isotopic composition (δ18O and δD) of precipitation and groundwater in a semi‐arid,mountainous area (Guadiana Menor basin,Southeast Spain)

We characterize the precipitation and groundwater in a mountainous (peaks slightly above 3000 m a.s.l.), semi‐arid river basin in SE Spain in terms of the isotopes ¹⁸O and ²H. This basin, with an extension of about 7000 km², is an ideal site for such a study because fronts from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean converge here. Much of the land is farmed and irrigated both by groundwater and runoff water collected in reservoirs. A total of approximately 100 water samples from precipitation and 300 from groundwater have been analysed. To sample precipitation we set up a network of 39 stations at different altitudes (800–1700 m a.s.l.), with which we were able to collect the rain and snowfall from 29 separate events between July 2005 and April 2007 and take monthly samples during the periods of maximum recharge of the aquifers. To characterize the groundwater we set up a control network of 43 points (23 springs and 20 wells) to sample every 3 months the main aquifers and both the thermal and non‐thermal groundwater. We also sampled two shallow‐water sites (a reservoir and a river). The isotope composition of the precipitation forms a local meteoric water line (LMWL) characterized by the equation δD = 7·72δ¹⁸O + 9·90, with mean values for δ¹⁸O and δD of − 10·28‰ and − 69·33‰, respectively, and 12·9‰ for the d‐excess value. To correlate the isotope composition of the rainfall water with groundwater we calculated the weighted local meteoric water line (WLMWL), characterized by the equation δD = 7·40δ¹⁸O + 7·24, which takes into account the quantity of water precipitated during each event. These values of (dδD/dδ¹⁸O)< 8 and d‐excess (δD–8δ¹⁸O)< 10 in each curve bear witness to the ‘amount effect’, an effect which is more manifest between May and September, when the ground temperature is higher. Other effects noted in the basin were those of altitude and the continental influence. The isotopic compositions of the groundwater are represented by the equation δD = 4·79δ¹⁸O − 18·64. The groundwater is richer in heavy isotopes than the rainfall, with mean values of − 8·48‰ for δ¹⁸O and − 59·27‰ for δD. The isotope enrichment processes detected include a higher rate of evaporation from detrital aquifers than from carbonate ones, the effects of recharging aquifers from irrigation return flow and/or from reservoirs' leakage and enrichment in δ¹⁸O from thermal water. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A temporal stable isotopic (δ18O, δD,d‐excess) comparison in glacier meltwater streams,Taylor Valley,Antarctica

In this paper, we describe the importance of hyporheic dynamics within Andersen Creek and Von Guerard Stream, Taylor Valley, Antarctica, from the 2010–2011 melt season using natural tracers. Water collection started at flow onset and continued, with weekly hyporheic‐zone sampling. The water δ¹⁸O and δD values were isotopically lighter in the beginning and heavier later in the season. D‐excess measurements were used as an indicator of mixing because an evaporative signature was evident and distinguishable between 2 primary end‐members (glacier meltwater and hyporheic zone). Hyporheic‐zone influence on the channel water was variable with a strong control on streamwater chemistry, except at highest discharges. This work supports previous research indicating that Von Guerard Stream has a large, widespread hyporheic zone that varies in size with time and discharge. Andersen Creek, with a smaller hyporheic zone, displayed hyporheic‐zone solute interaction through the influence from subsurface hypersaline flow. Overall, the evolution of Taylor Valley hyporheic‐zone hydrology is described seasonally. In mid‐December, the hyporheic zone is a dynamic system exchanging with the glacier meltwater in the channel, and with diminishing flow in January, the hyporheic zone drains back into the channel flow also impacting stream chemistry. This work adds new information on the role of hyporheic zone–stream interaction in these glacier meltwater streams.     

Factors controlling spatial and seasonal distributions of precipitation δ18O in China

Utilising datasets from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and previous isotopic studies, we investigated δ¹⁸O spatial and temporal patterns in Chinese precipitation. Significantly positive relationships existed between precipitation δ¹⁸O and air temperature above the north of 35°N and in high altitude regions above 32°N. Significantly negative relationships between precipitation δ¹⁸O and the precipitation amount existed below south of 35°N. These temperature and precipitation effects became stronger with increasing altitude except in high altitude regions between 32°N and 35°N. The NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data from 1980 to 2004 showed that variations in spatial and seasonal wind fields at 700 hpa and total precipitable water from the ground to the top of the atmosphere were correlated with the monthly spatial distribution of precipitation δ¹⁸O. Basing on this relationship, we established quantitative correlations between the mean monthly precipitation δ¹⁸O and both latitude and temperature in different seasons. We found that spatial variations in precipitation δ¹⁸O could be described well using the Bowen–Wilkinson model and second‐order equations developed during the present study only in winter (from December to February). During the rest of the year, patterns were too complex to predict using simple models. The results suggest that it is difficult to demonstrate variations of precipitation δ¹⁸O throughout the year and for all regions of China using a single model. Moreover, the new models for the relationships among precipitation, latitude, and temperature were better able to depict the variations in precipitation δ¹⁸O than the Bowen–Wilkinson model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.