Geostatistical evaluation of the design of the precipitation stable isotope monitoring network for Slovenia and Hungary

Abstract

A detailed knowledge of the stable isotope signature of precipitation is the basis of investigations in a variety of scientific fields and applications. To obtain robust and reliable results, the representativity of the currently operating (at least, as of 2018) precipitation stable isotope monitoring stations across Slovenia (n = 8) and Hungary (n = 9) was evaluated on the basis of amount-weighted annual averages with the aim of revealing any redundantly (i.e. over-) represented or un(der)represented areas. In the case of the latter, optimal locations for additional sites were suggested in Slovenia and Hungary. The networks of both countries are design-based systems that need to be fine-tuned for long-term optimized operation. The evaluation of the monitoring network was performed taking into consideration the stations operating in Slovenia and Hungary, as well as closely situated ones operating in neighboring countries. The evaluation was carried out in nine different combinations, using spatial simulated annealing, with regression kriging variance as a quality measure. The results showed that (i) there are over- and un(der)represented areas in the network, an issue requiring remedial action, (ii) the mutual information exchange of the precipitation stable isotope monitoring networks of Slovenia and Hungary increases the precision of precipitation δ¹⁸O estimation by ~0.3‰ in a 15-30 km wide zone near the borders, and (iii) by an even greater degree in the neighboring countries' stations. The current research may be termed pioneering in the matter of the detailed geostatistical assessment of spatial representativity of a precipitation stable isotope monitoring network, and as such, can serve as an example for future studies aiming for the spatial optimization of other regional precipitation stable isotope monitoring networks.

Keywords: Hungary; Kriging variance; Network design; Precipitation; Slovenia; Spatial simulated annealing; Stable oxygen isotopes.