Climatic Controls on the Isotopic Variability of Rainfall in Central Amazon

• Grant number: 24/01373-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Didier Gastmans
• Grantee: Rafaela Rodrigues Gomes
• Supervisor: Ricardo Sanchez Murillo
• Host Institution: Centro de Estudos Ambientais (CEA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/07314-2 - Climatic controls on the isotopic variability of rainfall in Central Amazonia, BP.MS

Abstract

The stable isotopes of hydrogen (1H/2H) and oxygen (16O/17O/18O) in precipitation are employed as crucial tools in investigating the governing climatic parameters in rain events. In tropical zones, classical isotopic relationships between temperature and precipitation quantity are not evident, underscoring the importance of a meticulous analysis that incorporates a broad range of meteorological variables related to the source and trajectory of vapor. The distribution of precipitation and the organization of convective events in the central Amazon result from complex climatic dynamics, such as the movement of the ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) and local vapor recirculation processes. In order to investigate these dynamics, the objective of the master's project is to assess and understand the climatic factors (local or regional) that govern and are responsible for the isotopic variability of precipitation in the Central Amazon. The opportunity for an internship abroad is of great value to the candidate, allowing improvement in statistical and modeling techniques applied to the master's project data under the supervision of Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Furthermore, it offers the chance to learn about laboratory techniques, utilizing the equipment available at the destination University. The strong partnerships established between the involved groups facilitate communication during the internship and amplify isotopic studies in tropical areas.