DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17773309
title: Australian rainfall δ18O and δ2H data 2015-2024 (GNIP)

description: This is the complete monthly dataset from the Australian Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) stations operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). This dataset contains new monthly δ18O and δ2H data available for 14 sites from 2015-2024 (Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cape Grim, Charleville, Cobar, Darwin, Melbourne, Meekatharra, Mount Isa, Perth, Sydney, Wagga Wagga, Woomera) and an updated full record for those sites and other sites closed before 2015 (adding to Hollins et al, 2018). They are freely available for use, subject to citation of the references below: 

The use of the 2015-2024 data should be cited as: Hughes, C. E., Hegarty, N. R., Farrawell, K.-A. L., & Chisari, R. (2025). Australian rainfall δ18O and δ2H data 2015-2024 (GNIP) (1.0) [Data set]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17773309.

Reference to sites, methods, and use of data from 1962-2014 should be cited as: Hollins S.E., Hughes C.E., Crawford J., Cendón D.I., Meredith K.T., 2018. Rainfall isotope variations over the Australian continent – implications for hydrology and isoscape applications. Science of the Total Environment. 645: 630-645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.082.

In addition to these collection methods, during the 2015-2024 period, at five sites (Alice Springs, Cape Grim, Charleville, Mount Isa) daily rainfall collection was replaced by a rainfall totalizer, either using paraffin oil or a Palmex submerged tube sampler. These are noted in the Type of Site column. Four BOM operated sites (Cobar, Meekatharra, Mildura, Wagga Wagga) have now ceased operation.

All samples collected from 2015-2024 were analysed at the ANSTO Environmental Isotope Laboratory using a Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy method on a Picarro L2120-I Water Analyser (reported accuracy of ±1.0 δ2H, ±0.15‰ δ18O) or Los Gatos Research Inc. (now ABB) Light Water Isotope Analyser-45-EP (reported accuracy of ±1.0 δ2H, ±0.20‰ δ18O). All isotope results are reported as per mil (‰) deviations from the international standard, V-SMOW (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water). Calibration standards are made in-house and have been calibrated relative to the international primary standards VSMOW2, SLAP2 and GRESP. 

Data is provided without "cleaning" and some may have been affected by evaporation during sample collection, or represent an incomplete composite. Some sites may have irregular sampling periods or uncertain sampling periods. Where this is a known issue there is a comment in the Comments column. We advise the user to apply their own filters and criteria prior to use of the data.

Two files are provided in .xlsx format



New data δ18O and δ2H for 14 sites from 2015-2024.

All data δ18O and δ2H data from 1962-2024, the 2015-2024 dataset appended to the one previously published by Hollins et al, 2018.


The files include the following sheets



Readme: Provides the required citation information for attribution of this dataset

SWI Metadata: Provides site characteristics and metadata

All: Has data for all sites in one sheet

Individual site sheets have the following columns: Group, Project, Site, Country, WMO Code, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Type of Site, Source of Information, Sample Name, Media Type, Date, Begin of Period, End of Period, Comment, O18, O18 Provider, H2, H2 Provider, H3, H3 Error, H3 Provider, Precipitation, Air Temperature, Vapour Pressure. Units are: Precipitation (mm), Air Temperature (°C), Vapour Pressure (hPa), O18 and H2 (‰ vs VSMOW-SLAP), H3 (TU)


All data will also be available through the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation Database, accessible at: https://nucleus.iaea.org/wiser) and be searchable on the Isotopes.AU data platform.

V1.1 uploaded 9 Dec corrects the "All" sheets of both files which were missing Alice Springs.