This book provides straightforward and practical information on isotopes applied to a variety of natural sciences. It covers the basics of isotopes and includes detailed examples from a range of natural sciences: ecology, biology, human health, environment and climate, geography, and geology, highlighting their applicability in these fields. It is a must-read for all advanced-undergraduate and graduate students working with isotopes, regardless of the area, and is a very useful one-stop resource for scientists starting in isotope research.

Autorentext

Paul Alexandre is an experienced isotope scientist. He trained in France before perfecting his skills as a leading member of the Queen's Facility for Isotope Research in Canada. He has applied isotopes to areas ranging from rainwater and human health to mineral exploration, and he is particularly interested in applications of isotopes in economic geology and mineralogy. Paul is a dedicated professor, who teaches and supervises at Brandon University, Canada.

Inhalt

Preface

1. Introduction

2. Theory of isotopes

   2.1 Nature and formation of isotopes

   2.2 Principles of isotopes fractionation

   2.3 Radiogenic disintegration

3. Analytical methodology

   3.1 Mass spectrometry

   3.2 Sample preparation

   3.2 Data treatment and interpretation

4. Applications in the natural environment 4.1 The solid Earth: geology (stable isotopes and geological processes, geochronology and the evolution of the Earth)

   4.2 The hydrosphere (stable isotopes and the water cycle)

   4.3 The biosphere: biology and ecology (kinetic fractionation and living organisms; migration; the food web)

   4.4 Atmosphere: climate (stable isotopes and climate changes)

   4.5 Human health (diagnosis and study the human body)