The use of water stable isotopes for a better understanding of hydrogeological processes in Haiti: overview of existing δ18O and δ2H data

Isotope hydrological studies carried out since 1987 in Haiti have proven to be effective in improving conceptual models of the principal aquifers in this Caribbean island nation. However, many of these studies have been limited and are mostly unpublished. It is, therefore, important to share the available datasets with scientists and water managers to support further studies and guide decision-making. Eleven datasets were compiled in a unique database for continued advancement and application. This dataset now contains 248 delta O-18 and delta H-2 results from water samples collected at 190 locations throughout the country. delta O-18 and delta H-2 values range, respectively, from -3.8 to -8.95 parts per thousand and -67.4 to -16.8 parts per thousand for precipitation (n = 5), 0.9 to 2.76 parts per thousand and 8.8 to 18.4 parts per thousand for lakes (n = 4), -2.61 to 4.98 parts per thousand and -26.63 to 28.2 parts per thousand for rivers (n = 11), -5.11 to -2.6 parts per thousand and -29.8 to -6.9 parts per thousand for springs (n = 82) excluding hot springs, and -5.1 to -1.37 parts per thousand and -29.4 to -2.9 parts per thousand for boreholes (n = 142). The overall presentation of the available data is complemented with an overview of the studies in which stable isotope data acquisition was performed. The global dataset is presented under three primary contexts: (1) elaboration of a local isotope meteoric water line of equation delta H-2 = 7.2 delta O-18 + 8.8 supported with data predominately from the Ouest jurisdictional department, (2) spatial variability analysis of the dataset, and (3) definition of the altitude gradient (per 100 m) using freshwater springs of the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac/Massif de la Selle area of -6.67 parts per thousand for delta H-2 and -0.09 parts per thousand for delta O-18.