ESTABLISHMENT OF A LOCAL METEORIC WATER LINE IN HOT SPRINGS, AR

This study analyzed the oxygen-18 and deuterium concentration at Hot Springs National Park (HOSP) in Arkansas to establish a Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL). The LMWL can help provide important data that will influence groundwater studies such as the water source for groundwater recharge, groundwater and surface water interactions, recycling, and evaporation. A precipitation sample collector has been installed in HOSP and samples were taken from January 2013 to April 2014. The samples were taken after each rain event and sent to the University of Arkansas Stable Isotope Lab where they were measured using a Gas Bench II Interface and Delta XP Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and then analyzed to establish a LMWL. Bedinger and others indicated that the recharge for Hot Springs area is from local meteoric waters. Defining a LMWL is important because these waters have fluctuating isotopic compositions based on seasonal, annual, and climatic changes. There is currently no LMWL in the state of Arkansas which forces scientists looking for meteoric data to use data from neighboring states such as Texas and Oklahoma. With an established LMWL in the state of Arkansas scientists will be able to extrapolate less and have more refined data locally.

REFERENCE:

Bedinger, F.; Pearson, Jr.; Reed. J.E.; Sniegocki, R.T.; Stone, C.G. “The Waters of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas-Their Nature and Origin.” Geohydrology of Geothermal Systems. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1044-C. 1979. pp. C32.