Boron isotopes in the earth and planetary sciences—a short history and introduction

Abstract

This volume on boron isotope geochemistry contains chapters reviewing the low- and high-temperature geochemistry, marine chemistry, and cosmochemistry of boron isotopes. It covers theoretical aspects of B isotope fractionation, experiments and atomic modeling, as well as all aspects of boron isotope analyses in geologic materials by the full range of solution and in situ methods. The book provides guidance for researchers on the analytical and theoretical end, and introduces the various scientific applications and research fields in which boron isotopes play a growing role today. This chapter provides a brief history of boron isotope research and analytical development and provides an overview of the other chapters of the volume “Boron Isotopes—The Fifth Element” in the series Advancements in Isotope Geochemistry.