Versatile water vapour isotope calibration device (VISOR) for laboratory and field use

Introduction

Climatic change will have large impacts on the global water cycle, and thus on hazardous weather and the availability of water to society. Earth observation from the ground and space is necessary to detect how and where the water cycle changes.

Importance of Isotope Composition

The stable isotope composition of water vapour and precipitation is a sensitive indicator of ongoing and future water cycle changes. Continuous, ground-based observation of water vapour isotopes has recently become possible by the more widespread use of infrared laser spectroscopy.

Current Challenges

However, there is currently a lack of solutions that would allow to fully and easily characterize these analyzers and the corresponding air inlet system with regard to several important measurement artefacts that degrade data quality.

Project Development

Within the ERC CoG project ISLAS, we have developed a prototype of the VISOR device that would fill this gap, based on a technology that has so far rarely been used for this purpose.

Features of the VISOR Device

Possessing a substantial range of flexibility, the VISOR device furthermore has the potential to reduce measurement time and thus the cost of routine liquid water isotope measurements in laboratory measurements.

Potential Applications

Exploring the innovation potential of the VISOR device may therefore enable a breakthrough in two application sectors:

1. Scaling up networks for water vapour isotope Earth observation globally, thus enabling better climate hazard preparedness.
2. Becoming a first choice for laboratories that measure water isotopes for research, forensic analysis, or the control of food origin.