Formation of Isotope Parameters (δD, δ18O, and d) of Glaciers and Water Runoff from Severny Island of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago

Isotope studies (δD and δ18O) were performed for the glaciers of Severny Island (Novaya Zemlya Archipelago). The studied glaciers were characterized by narrow range-of δD and δ18O values (from –15.4 to –17.6 ‰ and from –110.9 to –127.1‰, respectively). The samples of glacier ice form a linear trend within the δD–δ18O coordinates with low slope (s < 7). The isotope signature of water runoff from Severny Island point mainly to the glacial origin of the waters. The isotope parameters of glacial ice from the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago deviated from the values expected for western transfer of air masses under the latitudinal effect compared to glacial ice from other Arctic archipelagoes (Svalbard, Severnaya Zemlya, and Franz Josef Land). These parameters were similar to those for atmospheric precipitation over the continent near the town of Amderma. The slope of the trend, deuterium excess values, and narrow variation range of δD and δ18O values of ice might be caused by seasonal freezing of meltwater in firn layers within the closed system condition.