Stable isotope ratio variation in natural systems reflects the dynamics of Earth systems processes and imparts isotope labels to Earth materials. Carbon isotope ratios of atmospheric CO2 record exchange of carbon between the biosphere and the atmosphere, the incredible journeys of migrating monarchs is documented by hydrogen isotopes in their wings and water carries an isotopic record of its source and history as it traverses the atmosphere and land surface.
Through these and many other examples, improved understanding of spatio-temporal isotopic variation in Earth systems is leading to innovative new approaches to scientific problem-solving. Isoscapes provides a comprehensive overview of the theory, methods and applications that are enabling new disciplinary and cross-disciplinary advances through the study of isoscapes: isotopic landscapes.
Preface
Section 1 -- Gathering and using spatially explicit isotope data
Chapter 1: Global network measurements of atmospheric trace gas isotopes B.H. Vaughn, C.U. Evans, J.W.C. White, C.J. Still, K.A. Masarie, and J. Turnbull
Chapter 2: Global hydrological isotope data and data networks P.K. Aggarwal, L.J. Araguas-Araguas, M. Groening, K.M. Kulkarni, T. Kurttas, B. Newman, and T. Vitvar
Chapter 3: Remote sensing of nitrogen and carbon isotope compositions in terrestrial ecosystems L. Wang, G.S. Okin, and S.A. Macko
Chapter 4 Novel approaches for monitoring of water vapor isotope ratios: Plants, lasers and satellites B.R. Helliker, and D. Noone
Chapter 5 Applications of stable isotopes for regional to national-scale water quality and environmental monitoring programs C. Kendall, M.B. Young and S.R. Silva
Chapter 6 Environment in time and space: Opportunities from tree-ring isotope networks S.W. Leavitt, K. Treydte, and L. Yu
Section 2 - Isotope mapping: theory and methods
Chapter 7 Statistical and geostatistical mapping of precipitation water isotope ratios G.J. Bowen
Chapter 8 Approaches to plant hydrogen and oxygen isoscapes generation J.B. West, H.W. Kreuzer-Martin, and J.R. Ehleringer
Chapter 9 Continental-scale distributions of vegetation stable carbon isotope ratios C.J. Still, and R.L. Powell
Chapter 10 Comprehensive dynamical models of global and regional water isotope distributions D. Noone, and C. Sturm
Chapter 11 Using nitrogen isotope ratios to assess terrestrial ecosystems at regional and global scales L.H. Pardo, and K.J. Nadelhoffer
Chapter 12 Using Isoscapes to Model Probability Surfaces for Determining Geographic Origins M.B. Wunder
Section 3 - Multidisciplinary applications of isoscapes
Chapter 13 Using isoscapes to track animal migration K.A. Hobson, R. Barnett-Johnson and T. Cerling
Chapter 14 Using Isoscapes to Trace the Movements and Foraging Behavior of Top Predators in Oceanic Ecosystems B.S. Graham, P.L. Koch, S.D. Newsome, K.W. McMahon, and D. Aurioles
Chapter 15 Toward a d13C isoscape for primates M.J. Schoeninger
Chapter 16 Stable and radiogenic isotopes in biological archaeology: some applications H.P. Schwarcz, C.D. White, and F.J. Longstaffe
Chapter 17 A Framework for the Incorporation of Isotopes and Isoscapes in Geospatial Forensic Investigations J.R. Ehleringer, A.H. Thompson, D. Podlesak, G.J. Bowen, L.A. Chesson, T.E. Cerling, T. Park, P. Dostie, and H. Schwarcz
Chapter 18 Stable isotopes in large scale hydrological applications J.J. Gibson, B.M. Fekete, and G.J. Bowen
Chapter 19 The carbon isotope composition of plants and soils as biomarkers of pollution D.E. Pataki, J.T. Randerson, W. Wang, M. Herzenach, and N.E. Grulke
Chapter 20 Isoscapes in a rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world G.J. Bowen, J.B. West, and T.E. Dawson
"This impressive new volume shows scientists deciphering and using the natural isotope landscapes that subtly adorn our spaceship Earth."
- Brian Fry, Coastal Ecology Institute, Louisiana State University, USA
"An excellent timely must read and must-have reference book for anybody interested or engaged in applying stable isotope signatures to questions in e.g. Anthropology, Biogeochemistry, Ecology, or Forensic Science regarding chronological and spatial movement, changes, or distribution relating to animals, humans, plants, or water."
- Wolfram Meier-Augenstein, Centre for Anatomy & Human Identification, University of Dundee, UK
"Natural resources are being affected by global change, but exactly where, how, and at what pace? Isoscapes provide new and remarkably precise answers."
- John Hayes, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA
"This exciting volume is shaping a new landscape in environmental sciences that is utilizing the remarkable advances in isotope research to enhance and extend the capabilities of the field."
- Dan Yakir, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
"The palaeolimnologist with an interest in stable isotopes stands to learn a great deal about the mechanisms controlling the isotope records present in lake sediments and, in doing so, may generate interpretations that rest on a firmer basis. I would urge all those with an interest in isotope-based palaeolimnology to take that plunge and, in doing so, to risk learning something new."
- Journal of Paleolimnology, October 2011. J.A. Holmes, University College London, UK