Stable isotopes in ecosystem studies.

Abstract

Explains isotope terminology and fractionation, and summarises isotopic distributions in the C, N and S biogeochemical cycles. Five case studies (delta 15N measures of N2 fixation; the global carbon cycle and the CO2 problem; sulphur and acid deposition; use in archaeology; and detrital organic matter in saltmarshes) show how stable isotope measurements can provide crucial information for ecosystem analysis.-P.J.Jarvis