Modelling 85Kr datasets with python for applications in tracer hydrology and to investigate atmospheric circulation

• Main Authors: Arne Kersting, Sofia Brander, Axel Suckow
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-01-01
• Series: MethodsX
• Subjects: Krypton-85; Dating water & ice with noble gas radionuclides; Atmospheric circulation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016121000388

We present a model written in python to evaluate data from comprehensive 85Kr collection schemes comprising 11 datasets from different monitoring stations around the globe. The model is designed to (1) calculate atmospheric input functions for the application of 85Kr as a dating tracer and (2) to investigate atmospheric circulation based on a two-box model of the atmosphere. Different functions were implemented, to (1) filter the data, (2) fit polynomials and running means, (3) extrapolate fits from the northern to the southern hemisphere, (4) calculate interhemispheric exchange times and 85Kr emission rates and (5) export data to a csv file.Although the model is designed to evaluate atmospheric 85Kr datasets, some functionality and basic concepts can be applied to other dating tracers, like tritium and SF6. • Standardized method to systematically analyse atmospheric 85Kr activity concentration time series for dating water and ice and to investigate atmospheric circulation. • Easily modifiable python script to adapt functions for similar data analysis procedures.