A Next-Generation Wide Dynamic Range Isotopic Water Vapor Analyzer for Next-Generation Water Cycle Research

The stable isotope signature of water vapor in the atmosphere reveals a wealth of unique information about the processes at the heart of the water cycle: evaporation, precipitation, transpiration, and transport. Until recently, stable isotope analysis of atmospheric water vapor could only be achieved by employing a cumbersome flask sampling regimen followed by tricky sample preparation and analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Because these challenging measurements have been performed only with great difficulty, stable isotope analysis of water vapor has not achieved wide acceptance. However, recent advancements in laser-based isotope analysis techniques have lead to the development of high precision stable isotope analyzers capable of true field deployment, sparking a revolution in the way scientists approach water cycle research. The growing demand for this instrumentation has in turn prompted Picarro to improve the L1115-i water vapor analyzer in ways that bring greater scientific value to the research community.