Guidebook on nuclear techniques in hydrology. 1983 ed.

This guidebook serves as an introduction to the range of isotope techniques that are applicable in hydrology. The basic principles of each application are described followed by examples of case studies. This method of treatment should enable hydrologists to identify and assess the possible use of isotope techniques to their particular problems, although hydrologists having no prior experience in the use of isotope techniques will need to collaborate with isotope hydrologists. Isotope techniques may provide an independent approach for solving a hydrological problem. However, it should be realised that these techniques are only one of a number of tools now available to the hydrologist and their use in conjunction with other hydrological methods is likely to be most productive. Isotope hydrology may be considered under three headings: (1) the use of variations in the environmental isotopic composition of water; (2) the use of artificial radioactive tracers; (3) the use of radioisotope instruments. The following sections summarise the elements of radioactivity and interaction of radiation with matter considered necessary for an understanding of the use of isotope techniques in hydrology. Other sections in this introduction deal with the reasons for the variations in the environmental isotopic composition of water, the precautions in sampling of water, the use and choice of artificial radioactive tracers and precautions in their use, and the principles of tracer techniques