End-Member Selection in Two-Component Isotope-Based Hydrograph Separation - Open Journal of Modern Hydrology

OJMH > Vol.9 No.2, April 2019

End-Member Selection in Two-Component Isotope-Based Hydrograph Separation ()

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DOI: 10.4236/ojmh.2019.92003 745 Downloads 1,487 Views Citations

Author(s)

Samuel Bansah^1,2,3,4,5*, Jonathan Quaye-Ballard⁶, Samuel Andam-Akorful⁶, Edward Bam⁷, Geophrey K. Anornu⁸

Affiliation(s)

¹Department of Geological Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
²Isotope Hydrology Research Program (IHReP), Kumasi, Ghana.
³Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
⁴Manitoba’s Watershed Systems Research Program, Manitoba, Canada.
⁵Center for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
⁶Department of Geomatic Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
⁷Global Institute of Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
⁸Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

ABSTRACT

The science that underpins our knowledge and understanding of Isotope-Based Hydrograph separation (IHS) has gained grounds, over the last few decades, in the identification of streamflow sources. However, challenges still exist in identifying appropriate tracers and the right combination of end-members for the IHS process. In a two-component IHS analysis, the application of the dual isotopes tracers, δ¹⁸O and (or) δ²H, is regarded as the simplest method. We undertook an IHS study within a nested system of eight Prairie watersheds located in South central Manitoba, Canada. The work evaluated about 17,000 results emanating from the application of a combination of two potential tracers (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) and eight each of potential “old” and “new” water end-members in a two-component IHS process. The outcome showed occurrences of many mathematically possible but hydrologically unacceptable IHS results. The observation was particularly predominant within relatively larger perennial sub-catchments of the watershed. It is also shown that inter-site sub-catchment isotopic end-member transferability is possible within watersheds of similar physio-hydrographic characteristics. We suggest that a careful evaluation of the physio-hydrographic characteristics of catchments be considered in IHS studies in addition to the recommended guidelines in the selection of tracers and end-members.

KEYWORDS

Hydrograph Separation, Oxygen-18, Deuterium, Stable Isotopes, End-Member Definitions, Canadian Prairies

Share and Cite:

Bansah, S. , Quaye-Ballard, J. , Andam-Akorful, S. , Bam, E. and Anornu, G. (2019) End-Member Selection in Two-Component Isotope-Based Hydrograph Separation. Open Journal of Modern Hydrology, 9, 41-53. doi: 10.4236/ojmh.2019.92003.

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