Environmental isotopes study of precipitation in Syria

The rain waters from a network covering 9 meteorological stations distributed in the western part of Syria was studied using environmental isotope techniques. the study shows that the precipitations falling over this part of the country are characterized by a high deuterium excess (d= +19%.) comparing with the global meteoric water (d= +10%.). Meanwhile, the deuterium excess is found to be lower than the estimated one given for the Eastern Mediterranean region (d= +22%.)> The altitude effect is shown up by a progressive depletion of heavy stable isotopes of about 0.23%. and 1.65%. per 100 meters for δ O18 and δ H2, respectively. The spatial distribution pattern of tritium contents shows a gradual build up with the increasing distance from the coast. (author). 5 refs. 6 figs