Effect of precipitation regime on δD values of soil n-alkanes from elevation gradients - Implications for the study of paleo-elevation

► The isotopic altitude effect of precipitation controls δDwax altitudinal gradient in mountains. ► Decrease in δD values with elevation in the wetter region greatly exceeded those in drier region. ► Apparent fractionation εwax-p values for the wetter region were more negative than those in drier region. ► A reversed altitude gradient of δDwax below 3200 m from the Kunlun Shan area suggests caution in applying the technique to dry regions.