Studying El Nino’s influence on Peruvian rainfall using water stable isotope and major ion analysis Individual Research & Mentoring Opportunities Summer 2024 Accepted Environmental and atmospheric sciences The 2023-24 El Nino event is the strongest since 2015-16. During typical El Nino influence, rainfall patterns in coastal Peru are influenced due to changing ocean-atmosphere interactions. In collaboration with Peruvian researchers, Dr. Welp and Dr. Michalski’s research groups are collecting daily rainfall samples from ~ 20 collection stations for chemical analysis. Water stable isotope analysis will be used to better understand the moisture source and atmospheric transport conditions that generate rain in this region. Major ion analysis will be used to better understand the moisture sources like ocean evaporation or plant transpiration from the Amazon that ultimately generate rain in this region. During this summer project, one student will perform laboratory analysis using infrared laser spectroscopy for isotopic ratios. Another student will perform laboratory analysis using ion chromatography. Both will analyze their results in the context of large-scale atmospheric conditions from weather reanalysis. Students interested in chemistry and atmospheric science are especially encouraged to apply. Lisa Welp Lisa Welp Students will perform laboratory analysis and participate in interpreting their results. Students interested in chemistry and atmospheric science are especially encouraged to apply. 0 0 (estimated)