Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
09:16
Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
Published on: November 25, 2016
17.6K
Global Soil Water Stable Isotope Dataset.
Jiangwei Yang1,2,3, Rui Li1,2,3, Yitian Lei1
1College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
Scientific Data
|April 18, 2026
Summary
A new global dataset of soil-water isotopes (2H and 18O) has been compiled, harmonizing fragmented historical data. This resource aids research into ecohydrology and global water cycling.
Area of Science:
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Hydrology
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- Soil water isotopes (2H and 18O) are crucial tracers for ecohydrological processes.
- Existing soil-water isotope data are fragmented, lack standardization, and are unevenly distributed, hindering global research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and structurally harmonize a comprehensive global dataset of soil-water stable isotopes.
- To address limitations in historical data for cross-regional and global-scale ecohydrological studies.
Main Methods:
- Integrated primary in-situ measurements, literature records, and open-repository data.
- Compiled 27,455 records from 463 sites across 37 countries (1975-2024).
- Classified data into standardized soil profile intervals (shallow, active-root, mid-depth, deep) with metadata.
Main Results:
- Created a globally representative dataset of soil-water stable isotopes.
- The dataset spans 1975 to 2024, covering six continents.
- Standardized data classification facilitates comparative analysis.
Conclusions:
- The harmonized dataset provides a robust foundation for evaluating terrestrial water cycling.
- Enables calibration of hydrological models and tracing of ecosystem water-use strategies.
- Supports research on hydroclimatic challenges under global environmental change.
