Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution

Download Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press
ISBN 13 : 0195353528
Total Pages : 265 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (953 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution by : Robert E. Criss

Download or read book Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution written by Robert E. Criss and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1999-06-03 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a quantitative treatment of the theory and natural variations of light stable isotopes. It discusses isotope distribution in the context of fractionation processes, thermodynamics, mass conservation, exchange kinetics, and diffusion theory, and includes more than 100 original equations. The theoretical principles are illustrated with natural examples that emphasize oxygen and hydrogen isotope variations in natural waters, terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks, and hydrothermal systems. New data on meteoric precipitation, rivers, springs, formation fluids, and hydrothermal systems are included in relation to various natural phenomena. Essentially, this book seeks to reconnect the diverse phenomenological observations of isotope distribution to the quantitative theories of physical chemistry and the language of differential equations. It may serve as a textbook for advanced students, as a research reference, or as a quick source of information. The book is organized into five chapters, each followed by suggested quantitative problems and a short reference list. The three theoretical chapters progress from an elementary review of the physical chemistry of stable isotopes, to the thermodynamics of isotopic compounds, and finally to the calculation of isotope distribution in dynamic systems. The third and fifth chapters emphasize oxygen and hydrogen isotope variations in Earth's hydrosphere and lithosphere, constituting the most important examples of the theoretical principles. Appendices provide data on atomic weights of light elements, physical constants, mathematical relationships, and isotopic fractionation factors.

Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution

Download Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press
ISBN 13 : 0190283580
Total Pages : 264 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (92 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution by : Robert E. Criss

Download or read book Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution written by Robert E. Criss and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1999-06-03 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a quantitative treatment of the theory and natural variations of light stable isotopes. It discusses isotope distribution in the context of fractionation processes, thermodynamics, mass conservation, exchange kinetics, and diffusion theory, and includes more than 100 original equations. The theoretical principles are illustrated with natural examples that emphasize oxygen and hydrogen isotope variations in natural waters, terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks, and hydrothermal systems. New data on meteoric precipitation, rivers, springs, formation fluids, and hydrothermal systems are included in relation to various natural phenomena. Essentially, this book seeks to reconnect the diverse phenomenological observations of isotope distribution to the quantitative theories of physical chemistry and the language of differential equations. It may serve as a textbook for advanced students, as a research reference, or as a quick source of information. The book is organized into five chapters, each followed by suggested quantitative problems and a short reference list. The three theoretical chapters progress from an elementary review of the physical chemistry of stable isotopes, to the thermodynamics of isotopic compounds, and finally to the calculation of isotope distribution in dynamic systems. The third and fifth chapters emphasize oxygen and hydrogen isotope variations in Earth's hydrosphere and lithosphere, constituting the most important examples of the theoretical principles. Appendices provide data on atomic weights of light elements, physical constants, mathematical relationships, and isotopic fractionation factors.

Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Download Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Prentice Hall
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 368 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry by : Zachary Sharp

Download or read book Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry written by Zachary Sharp and published by Prentice Hall. This book was released on 2007 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first dedicated book to cover the basics of a wide range of stable isotope applications in a manner appropriate for someone entering the field. At the same time, it offers sufficient detail - and numerous references and examples - to direct research for further inquiry. Discusses diverse topics such as hydrology, carbon in plants, meteorites, carbonates, metamorphic rocks, etc. Explores the theory and principles of isotope fractionation. Offers unique, up-to-date discussion of meteorite (extraterrestrial) isotope data. Presents the subject in an interesting historical context, with the classic papers noted. A useful reference for students taking the course and professionals entering the field of Geochemistry.

Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems

Download Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9780792370789
Total Pages : 312 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (77 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems by : M.J. Unkovich

Download or read book Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems written by M.J. Unkovich and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2001-07-31 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book has a very strong practical orientation, telling readers what methodologies are available using stable isotopes, how studies should be designed and executed to maximise effectiveness and incisiveness in terms of data obtained and outcomes in terms of understanding events and processes in plant and ecosystem functioning. The readership is very much aimed toward postgraduates with good knowledge of general biological principles and underlying chemical and physical processes. Pre-existing knowledge of or experience in application and assay of stable isotopes is not required. The stable isotope research field is one of the most rapidly growing areas of ecophysiology and techniques using stable isotopes comprise an ever increasing component of research programs of university postgraduates and a wide range of agencies conducting environmental monitoring and rehabilitation programs. The book is tailor-made for such an audience.

Using Geochemical Data

Download Using Geochemical Data PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1108803822
Total Pages : 359 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (88 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Using Geochemical Data by : Hugh Rollinson

Download or read book Using Geochemical Data written by Hugh Rollinson and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2021-05-06 with total page 359 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This textbook is a complete rewrite, and expansion of Hugh Rollinson's highly successful 1993 book Using Geochemical Data: Evaluation, Presentation, Interpretation. Rollinson and Pease's new book covers the explosion in geochemical thinking over the past three decades, as new instruments and techniques have come online. It provides a comprehensive overview of how modern geochemical data are used in the understanding of geological and petrological processes. It covers major element, trace element, and radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry. It explains the potential of many geochemical techniques, provides examples of their application, and emphasizes how to interpret the resulting data. Additional topics covered include the critical statistical analysis of geochemical data, current geochemical techniques, effective display of geochemical data, and the application of data in problem solving and identifying petrogenetic processes within a geological context. It will be invaluable for all graduate students, researchers, and professionals using geochemical techniques.

Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes

Download Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN 13 : 3110545632
Total Pages : 902 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (15 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes by : Fang-Zhen Teng

Download or read book Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes written by Fang-Zhen Teng and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2017-03-06 with total page 902 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The development of multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) makes it possible to precisely measure non-traditional stable isotopes. This volume reviews the current status of non-traditional isotope geochemistry from analytical, theoretical, and experimental approaches to analysis of natural samples. In particular, important applications to cosmochemistry, high-temperature geochemistry, low-temperature geochemistry, and geobiology are discussed. This volume provides the most comprehensive review on non-traditional isotope geochemistry for students and researchers who are interested in both the theory and applications of non-traditional stable isotope geochemistry.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Download Stable Isotope Geochemistry PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN 13 : 1501508741
Total Pages : 676 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (15 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotope Geochemistry by : John W. Valley

Download or read book Stable Isotope Geochemistry written by John W. Valley and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2018-12-17 with total page 676 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Volume 43 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry follows the 1986 Reviews in Mineralogy (Vol. 16) in approach but reflects significant changes in the field of Stable Isotope Geochemistry. In terms of new technology, new sub-disciplines, and numbers of researchers, the field has changed more in the past decade than in any other since that of its birth. Unlike the 1986 volume, which was restricted to high temperature fields, this book covers a wider range of disciplines. However, it would not be possible to fit a comprehensive review into a single volume. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art reviews in chosen subjects that have emerged or advanced greatly since 1986. This volume was prepared for Short Course on Stable Isotope Geochemistry presented November 2-4, 2001 in conjunction with the annual meetings of the Geological Society of America in Boston, Massachusetts.

Plant Physiological Ecology

Download Plant Physiological Ecology PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9400922213
Total Pages : 463 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Plant Physiological Ecology by : R. Pearcey

Download or read book Plant Physiological Ecology written by R. Pearcey and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 463 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Physiological plant ecology is primarily concerned with the function and performance of plants in their environment. Within this broad focus, attempts are made on one hand to understand the underlying physiological, biochemical and molecular attributes of plants with respect to performance under the constraints imposed by the environment. On the other hand physiological ecology is also concerned with a more synthetic view which attempts to under stand the distribution and success of plants measured in terms of the factors that promote long-term survival and reproduction in the environment. These concerns are not mutually exclusive but rather represent a continuum of research approaches. Osmond et al. (1980) have elegantly pointed this out in a space-time scale showing that the concerns of physiological ecology range from biochemical and organelle-scale events with time constants of a second or minutes to succession and evolutionary-scale events involving communities and ecosystems and thousands, if not millions, of years. The focus of physiological ecology is typically at the single leaf or root system level extending up to the whole plant. The time scale is on the order of minutes to a year. The activities of individual physiological ecologists extend in one direction or the other, but few if any are directly concerned with the whole space-time scale. In their work, however, they must be cognizant both of the underlying mechanisms as well as the consequences to ecological and evolutionary processes.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Download Stable Isotope Geochemistry PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030776921
Total Pages : 528 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (37 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotope Geochemistry by : Jochen Hoefs

Download or read book Stable Isotope Geochemistry written by Jochen Hoefs and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-10-08 with total page 528 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This classic textbook is an introduction to the systematics and the use of stable isotopes in geosciences. It is subdivided into three parts: i) theoretical and experimental principles, ii) fractionation processes of light and heavy elements, iii) the natural variations of geologically important reservoirs. Since the publication of the previous edition improvements in multi-collector ICP mass-spectrometry have increased the ability to measure isotope ratios with very high precision for many elements of the periodic table. The amount of published data has increased tremendously in the last years; thus, conclusions based on a limited database are now better constrained. In this new edition, therefore, 47 elements with resolvable natural variations in isotope composition are discussed. This increase of elements, together with advances in the calculation of equilibrium isotope fractionation using ab initio methods, has led to an unbelievable rise of publications, making substantial major revisions and extensions of the last edition necessary. Many new references have been added, which enable quick access to recent literature.

Stable Isotope Forensics

Download Stable Isotope Forensics PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119965136
Total Pages : 231 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (199 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotope Forensics by : Wolfram Meier-Augenstein

Download or read book Stable Isotope Forensics written by Wolfram Meier-Augenstein and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-09-19 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides the first comprehensive, overview and guide to forensic isotope analysis, an exciting new application of stable isotope analytical techniques. Topics are introduced using examples and real-life case studies such as food quality control where isotope analysis has already had a major impact, in terms of consumer protection, These examples illustrate the underlying principles of isotope profiling or fingerprinting. A section comprising actual criminal case work is used to build a bridge between the introduction and the technical section to encourage students to engage with this novel departure for analytical sciences while at the same time providing hands-on examples for the experienced researcher and forensic practitioner to match problems and success stories encountered with the topics discussed in the technical section. What little information is available on the subject in book form so far, has been published as individual chapters in books dealing either with mass spectrometry, forensic geoscience or environmental forensics, this is the first book to focus on the entire spectrum of forensic isotope analysis and will be an invaluable reference to both researchers in the field and forensic practitioners.

Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes

Download Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0128147245
Total Pages : 269 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes by : Keith A. Hobson

Download or read book Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes written by Keith A. Hobson and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-09-13 with total page 269 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes, Second Edition, provides a complete introduction to new and powerful isotopic tools and applications that track animal migration, reviewing where isotope tracers fit in the modern toolbox of tracking methods. The book provides background information on a broad range of migration scenarios in terrestrial and aquatic systems and summarizes the most cutting-edge developments in the field that are revolutionizing the way migrant individuals and populations are assigned to their true origins. It allows undergraduates, graduate students and non-specialist scientists to adopt and apply isotopes to migration research, and also serves as a useful reference for scientists. The new edition thoroughly updates the information available to the reader on current applications of this technique and provides new tools for the isotopic assignment of individuals to origins, including geostatistical multi-isotope approaches and the ways in which researchers can combine isotopes with routine data in a Bayesian framework to provide best estimates of animal origins. Four new chapters include contributions on applications to the movements of terrestrial mammals, with particular emphasis on how aspects of animal physiology can influence stable isotope values. - Includes an animal physiology component that is an in-depth overview of the cautions and caveats related to this technique - Covers marine and aquatic isoscapes and methods to track marine organisms for researchers trying to apply isotopic tracking to animals in these environments - Features state-of-the-art statistical treatments for assignment and combining diverse datasets

Stable Isotopes and Biosphere - Atmosphere Interactions

Download Stable Isotopes and Biosphere - Atmosphere Interactions PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0080525288
Total Pages : 334 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (85 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotopes and Biosphere - Atmosphere Interactions by : Lawrence B Flanagan

Download or read book Stable Isotopes and Biosphere - Atmosphere Interactions written by Lawrence B Flanagan and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2004-12-15 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The emerging multidisciplinary field of earth system science sets out to improve our understanding functioning ecosystems, at a global level across the entire planet. Stable Isotopes and Biosphere - Atmosphere Interactions looks to one of its most powerful tools — the application of stable isotope analyses — to understanding biosphere-atmosphere exchange of the greenhouse gases, and synthesizes much of the recent progress in this work. Stable Isotopes and Biosphere - Atmosphere Interactions describes recent progress in understanding the mechanisms, processes and applications of new techniques. It makes a significant contribution to the emerging, multidisciplinary study of the Earth as an interacting system. This book will be an important reference for students and researchers in biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, meteorology, and atmospheric science and will be invaluable for anyone with any interest in the future of the planet. - Describes applications of new stable isotope techniques to the emerging fields of earth system science and global change - Illustrates advances in scaling of physiological processes from leaf/soil to the global scale - Contains state-of-the-art, critical reviews written by international researchers and experts

Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis

Download Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN 13 : 1782626107
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (826 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis by : Maik A Jochmann

Download or read book Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis written by Maik A Jochmann and published by Royal Society of Chemistry. This book was released on 2015-11-09 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The use of Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis (CSIA) is increasing in many areas of science and technology for source allocation, authentication, and characterization of transformation reactions. Until now, there have been no textbooks available for students with an analytical chemical background or basic introductory books emphasising the instrumentation and theory. This book is the first to focus solely on stable isotope analysis of individual compounds in sometimes complex mixtures. It acts as both a lecture companion for students and a consultant for advanced scientists in fields including forensic and environmental science. The book starts with a brief history of the field before going on to explain stable isotopes from scratch. The different ways to express isotope abundances are introduced together with isotope effects and isotopic fractionation. A detailed account of the required technical equipment and general procedures for CSIA is provided. This includes sections on derivatization and the use of microextraction techniques in GC-IRMS. The very important topic of referencing and calibration in CSIA is clearly described. This differs from approaches used in quantitative analysis and is often difficult for the newcomer to comprehend. Examples of successful applications of CSIA in food authenticity, forensics, archaeology, doping control, environmental science, and extraterrestrial materials are included. Applications in isotope data treatment and presentation are also discussed and emphasis is placed on the general conclusions that can be drawn from the uses of CSIA. Further instrumental developments in the field are highlighted and selected experiments are introduced that may act as a basis for a short practical course at graduate level.

Geochemistry of Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes

Download Geochemistry of Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN 13 : 1501509365
Total Pages : 472 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (15 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Geochemistry of Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes by : Clark M. Johnson

Download or read book Geochemistry of Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes written by Clark M. Johnson and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2018-12-17 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The goal for Volume 55 of Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry was to bring together a summary of the isotope geochemistry of non-traditional stable isotope systems as is known through 2003 for those elements that have been studied in some detail, and which have a variety of geochemical properties. In addition, recognizing that many of these elements are of interest to workers who are outside the traditional stable isotope fields, we felt it was important to include discussions on the broad isotopic variations that occur in the solar system, theoretical approaches to calculating isotopic fractionations, and the variety of analytical methods that are in use. We hope, therefore, that this volume proves to be useful to not only the isotope specialist, but to others who are interested in the contributions that these non-traditional stable isotopes may make toward understanding geochemical and biological cycles. The review chapters in this volume were the basis for a two-day short course on nontraditional stable isotopes held prior (May 15-16, 2004) to the spring AGU/CGU Meeting in Montreal, Canada.

Stable Isotope Studies of the Water Cycle and Terrestrial Environments

Download Stable Isotope Studies of the Water Cycle and Terrestrial Environments PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Geological Society of London
ISBN 13 : 1786204975
Total Pages : 347 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (862 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotope Studies of the Water Cycle and Terrestrial Environments by : A-V. Bojar

Download or read book Stable Isotope Studies of the Water Cycle and Terrestrial Environments written by A-V. Bojar and published by Geological Society of London. This book was released on 2021-11-09 with total page 347 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume is devoted to Earth surface environmental reconstructions and environmental changes that may be deciphered and modelled using stable isotopes along with mineralogical/chemical, sedimentological, palaeontological/biological and climatological methodologies. The book is divided into two sections, both using stable isotopes (see www.geolsoc.org.uk/SP507) in various samples and phases as the main research tool. The first section is devoted to studies focusing on the distribution of isotopes in precipitation, groundwater, lakes, rivers, springs, tap water, mine water and their relationship with terrestrial environments at regional to continental scale. In relation to this, the second section includes case studies from a range of continental settings, investigating cave deposits (stalagmites, bat guano), animal skeletons (dinosaurs, alligators, turtles, bivalves), present and past soils (palaeosols) and limestones. The sections focus on the interaction between the surficial water cycle and underground water storage with deposits acting as archives of short- to long-term climatic and environmental changes. Examples from the Early Cretaceous to present time come from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America.

Stable Isotopes as Indicators of Ecological Change

Download Stable Isotopes as Indicators of Ecological Change PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0080551009
Total Pages : 436 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (85 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotopes as Indicators of Ecological Change by :

Download or read book Stable Isotopes as Indicators of Ecological Change written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2011-09-21 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 20th century has experienced environmental changes that appear to be unprecedented in their rate and magnitude during the Earth's history. For the first time, Stable Isotopes as Indicators of Ecological Change brings together a wide range of perspectives and data that speak directly to the issues of ecological change using stable isotope tracers. The information presented originates from a range of biological and geochemical sources and from research fields within biological, climatological and physical disciplines covering time-scales from days to centuries. Unlike any other reference, editors discuss where isotope data can detect, record, trace and help to interpret environmental change. - Provides researchers with groundbreaking data on how to predict the terrestrial ecosystems response to the ongoing rapid alterations - Reveals how ecosystems have responded to environmental and biotic fluctuations in the past - Includes examples from research by a wide range of biological and physical scientists who are using isotopic records to both detect and interpret environmental change

Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems

Download Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 940159841X
Total Pages : 312 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (15 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems by : M.J. Unkovich

Download or read book Stable Isotope Techniques in the Study of Biological Processes and Functioning of Ecosystems written by M.J. Unkovich and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-14 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the last two decades technological advances in isotope ratio mass spectrometry have been very rapid, opening up new possibilities for analysis of biological and environmental materials. The new instrumentation has facilitated faster analysis of samples via automated sample preparation and multi-isotope analysis of single samples, resulting in considerable cost savings, and enabling access to isotope analysis for many more researchers. These changes are reflected in the rapidly growing international literature on stable isotopes. While there have been some excellent books and review papers aimed at interpreting isotope signals in biology and environmental science, there have been fewer attempts to provide practical tools for researchers making forays into this exciting new arena. This book aims to address this inadequacy by providing a set of practical guidelines for the application of a range of novel and well proven stable isotope techniques to the fields of plant physiological ecology, agriculture, marine ecology and palaeoecology. The book is the outcome of a weeklong workshop held under the auspices of the Cooperative Research Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA 1992 - 2000) at The University of Western Australia and the CSIRO Floreat Laboratories, Perth, Western Australia, in February 1999. The workshop was designed to provide practical tools and experiences for researchers and students concerned with how one goes about using stable isotopes in field investigations.