Variability in Stream Temperature and Isotopic Signatures in the Lester River Watershed
There is very little knowledge regarding the storage and release of both atmospheric and subsurface water upwind of the Great Lakes. To track the movement of water through the hydrologic cycle, stable isotopes of water such as hydrogen and oxygen that produce variations in isotopes during evaporation and condensation can be monitored to better understand the processes that occur along the watershed. Stream samples and temperature data were collected from 15 sites in the Lester River watershed to map out the special and temporal distribution of streamflow generation. The stream samples were then analyzed for 18O and 2H to differentiate between precipitation and groundwater. Results indicate that there are seasonal consistencies of the isotopes. Some sites showed large evaporation signals indicating that they may not be as suitable to support fish life.