Abstract: In this research we collected the meteoric precipitation samples in Wuhan city during 2011-2013 and combined with the meteorological data and the stable isotopes in precipitation during 1986-1998 provided by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish the local meteoric water line for Wuhan, China. The characteristics of stable isotope in precipitation in Wuhan was analyzed. The results indicated that the local meteoric water line for Wuhan was δD=8.29δ¹⁸O+7.44, in close agreement with China atmospheric precipitation line. Both hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in precipitation exhibited significant seasonal variations, δ¹⁸O of precipitation was the largest in spring, and the smallest in summer. There was a negative correlation between δ¹⁸O of precipitation and air temperature and the amount of precipitation, and was changeable in time. The δ¹⁸O of precipitation in Wuhan presented an upward trend. Moisture source is the primary factor determining the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes composition in precipitation in Wuhan.

Key words: meteoric precipitation, stable isotope, moisture source, atmospheric precipitation line, Wuhan