Articles | Volume 26, issue 13
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3573-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3573-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Technical note
| Highlight paper
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08 Jul 2022
Technical note | Highlight paper |
| 08 Jul 2022
| 08 Jul 2022
Technical note: Conservative storage of water vapour – practical in situ sampling of stable isotopes in tree stems
Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural
Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
Terrestrial Ecohydrology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, 07749, Germany
Benjamin Gralher
Hydrology, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, 79098, Germany
Barbara Herbstritt
Hydrology, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, 79098, Germany
Angelika Kübert
Ecosystem Physiology, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, 79103,
Germany
Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Hyungwoo Lim
Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural
Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
Tomas Lundmark
Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural
Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
John Marshall
Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural
Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
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The depths at which plants take up water is challenging to observe directly. To do so, scientists have relied on measuring the isotopic composition of xylem water as this provides information on the water’s source. Our work shows that this isotopic composition changes throughout the day, which complicates the interpretation of the water’s source and has been currently overlooked. We build a model to help understand the origin of these composition changes and their consequences for science.
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Executive editor
The authors present a new method to sample water vapour from trees in a cost-effective manner. The method can be applied in a lab, but also in the field. As many scientist are struggling with proper sampling method, I think this paper is worth highlighting.
The authors present a new method to sample water vapour from trees in a cost-effective manner....
Short summary
We developed a method of sampling and storing water vapour for isotope analysis, allowing us to infer plant water uptake depth. Measurements can be made at high temporal and spatial resolution even in remote areas. We ensured that all necessary components are easily available, making this method cost efficient and simple to implement. We found our method to perform well in the lab and in the field, enabling it to become a tool for everyone aiming to resolve questions regarding the water cycle.
We developed a method of sampling and storing water vapour for isotope analysis, allowing us to...
