CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

The isotope composition of precipitation is a characteristic of a given region. It is generally determined by local meteorological parameters like temperature, relative humidity and rain amount. Precipitation represents one of the most important factors of recharge. Therefore, the knowledge and characterization of the isotope content is of great relevance when a hydrological research starts. As a result, systematic measurement of the isotope content of precipitation in long term records has become an useful tool. The measurement and record of isotope content of precipitation of Argentina are being made by the stations of the National Network ofCollectors. This network was created by the Instituto de Geocronología y Geología Isotópica (INGEIS) within the framework of the Global for Network Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP). In this work, we present the results obtained in Bariloche city during the period 1997-2003. This station, installed by initiative of the INGEIS, is located in the mentioned city, in Río Negro province at 41º09´ S and 71º20´ W, 790 m above the sea level. The Villarosa family operates the collector, which began to work in October 1996. Hydrogen (2H/1H) and oxygen (18O/16O) ratios were measured in the INGEIS laboratories by mass spectrometry. The results are evaluated statistically and integrated to national and international databases. The temperature is obtained from Aero Bariloche and the amount of precipitation is measured at the station. We analyzed the isotopic composition (2H, 18O) and its relation with the meteorological parameters in a record of 7 years. We also present a preliminary local meteoric water line. A large precipitation record at Bariloche station as well as in others localities of Argentina is a fundamental objective to bring scientific tools for environmental isotope studies.