Using stable isotope data

Most naturally occurring elements consist of more than one stable isotope. In elements with an atomic mass of less than 40 (i.e. lighter than Ca) it is possible for the isotopes to be fractionated through physical processes as a consequence of the mass difference between the isotopes. The degree of mass fractionation is proportional to the mass difference. At atomic masses higher than 40 the relative mass differences are too small to allow isotopes to become physically s arated. 

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Barton MA, Fricke HC (2006) Mapping topographic relief and elevation of die central Rocky Mountain region druing the latest Eocene using stable isotope data from mammalian tooth enamel. Geol Soc Amer Abstr... 

Gray, J. (1985), The use of stable isotope data in climate reconstruction, in Wigley, T. M. L., M. J. Ingram, and G. Farmer (eds.), Climate and History Studies in Ancient Climates and Their Impact on Man, Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, UK. 

Fitzsimons et al. (2000) have reviewed the factors that influence the precision of SIMS stable isotope data. All sample analyses must be calibrated for instrumental mass fractionation using SIMS analyses of a standard material. Under favorable circumstances, precision can reach a few tenths of a per mill. The latest version of ion-microprobe is the Cameca-lMS-1280 type, allowing further reduction in sample and spot size and achieving precise analysis of isotope ratios at the 0. %o level (Page et al. 2007). 

Acylcarnitine analysis using stable-isotope-labeled internal standards provides quantitative data for acylcarnitine species [14]. However, to provide meaningful results to referring healthcare providers, it is critical to complement analytical proficiency with in-depth interpretation of results, as is true for many other examples of complex metabolic profiles [39]. 

Even though paleoaltimetric data from internal structural elements of orogenic belts and plateaus represent much needed complementary information to those derived from surface deposits or weathering products we caution about the uncritical use of stable isotopic data from deeper Earth environments in paleoaltimetric studies. It is highly desirable to obtain reliable thermometric, structural, and isotopic tracer data before attempting any paleoaltimetric reconstruction in such environments, as uncertainties exist about the fluid pathways and mechanisms responsible for fluid transport into the ductile crust. Maybe more importantly, it is imperative to document that the timing of meteoric water-rock interaction can be dated precisely, especially within thermally and kinematically rapidly evolving tectonic environments such as extensional detachment systems. 

The presence of volatile-bearing phases such as phlogopite, apatite, and carbonates in kimberhtes testify to the volatile-rich nature of the parental magma (e.g., Mitchell, 1986). The ubiquitous serpentization present in kimberlites cannot be used as evidence of magmatic water, with the exception of groundmass serpentine that is interpreted to be primary in nature. As discussed by Mitchell (1986), there are hmited stable isotopic data consistent with a meteoric origin for some of the water in the serpentine. However, it is unclear if these results could be attributed to postemplacement exchange of deuteric serpentine with meteoric fluids. 

Ostermann D. R. and Curry W. B. (2000) Calibration of stable isotopic data an enriched delta 0-18 standard used for source gas mixing detection and correction. Paleoceanography 15, 353-360. 

Two fundamental types of geochemical proxies are employed in the reconstruction of ancient depositional environments and geological processes. Broadly defined, these are elemental and compound concentration/accumulation data and stable isotopic data. Depending on the type of data used and the process under investigation, there are specific limitations that characterize each proxy. 

Yeh, K.C., Stone, J.A., Carides, A.D., Rolan, P Woolf, E. and Ju, W.D. (1999) Simultaneous investigation of indinavir nonlinear pharmacokinetics and bioavailability in healthy volunteers using stable isotope labelling technique study design and model-independent data analysis. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 88, 568-573. 

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