HydroTraP Group Research Methods
Our experimental methods encompass two compartments: tracers and proxies. Samples are analyzed in different laboratories, partly also on commission. For data analysis and interpretation, different kinds of software have been developed and can be downloaded for free.
The following tracers are applied. Further information can be found on our Tracers & Proxies page.
- Dating Tracers (3H, 3He, 4He, 14C, 39Ar, 81Kr, 85Kr, 222Rn, SF6, CFCs)
- Proxies for environmental conditions(2H, 18O, main isotopes of Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe)
Laboratories
Dort finden sich unter „Aquatische Systeme“ weitere Informationen zu den Laboren.
The different tracers and proxies are analyzed in specialized laboratories:
- Noble gas mass spectrometry laboratory (3H, 3He, 4He, main isotopes of Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe)
- ATTA extraction laboratory (39Ar, 81Kr, 85Kr, analysis at KIP)
- Gas chromatography laboratory (SF6, FCKWs)
- 14C extraction and graphitization (14C, analysis at the Klaus-Tschira-Labor, Mannheim)
- Radon monitors (222Rn)
- Analysis of stable isotopes (2H, 18O)
The laboratories are also part of the Heidelberg Environmental Analytics Platform (HEAP) of the Heidelberg Center for the Environment (HCE). More information can be found on the labs can be fournd on their respective websites under “aquatic systems”.
Analytics
Analysis of noble gases and tritium can be done on commission.
For more information please contact us:
Werner.Aeschbach@iup.uni-heidelberg.de
Sampling instructions can be fournd on our tracers & proxies page
Software
HydroTraP has developed a number of programs for the data analysis of tracers and proxies. Those software tools are available for download.
Modeling noble gas concentrations in (ground)water:
Inverse determination of model parameters by weighted least squares fitting. There are two programs available: A simple MS EXCEL workbook (Noblebook) and the very versatile, stand-alone program PANGA.
Modeling age tracer data in young (ground)water:
Box-model approaches to interpret 3H(-3He), CFC, and 85Kr data. The software "Boxmodel V3" is a MICROSOFT EXCEL workbook, designed for educational purposes. It has originally been developped by Kai Zoellmann, and later been expanded by myself and used for a UNESCO-workshop by Urs Beyerle. Workbook and documentation are provided here for free download.
