Stable Isotope Ecology

Book Description

Stable isotopes are frequently used as tracers in biological systems, and their ability to track changes and processes over time has made them increasingly important to ecological research. For ecologists, stable isotopes provide a natural way to directly trace details of element cycling in the environment.

Stable Isotope Ecology provides a solid introduction to this advanced subject, and can also be used as an instructive review for more experienced researchers and professionals. The book approaches the use of isotopes from the perspective of ecological and biological research, but its concepts can be applied within other disciplines as well. In order to enable scientists to establish source-sink connections in ecological settings, Stable Isotope Ecology begins by reviewing fundamental topics of tracer fractionation and mixing. Several mini-reviews profile problems and successes encountered with isotope tracing in particular focus areas, while emphasizing the role that humans increasingly play in changing our planetary ecosphere. A novel, step-by-step spreadsheet modeling approach is also presented for circulating tracers in any ecological system, including any favorite system an ecologist might dream up while sitting at a computer. Just type in values and watch the isotope action unfold in the dynamic models.

Fry's humorous and lighthearted style painlessly imparts the principles of isotope ecology, using a unique, hands-on approach to engage students. The mechanics of fractionation and mixing are laid out in simple steps, with numerous examples and accessible mathematics (algebra only). The book encourages students to begin their own pilot project with stable isotopes.

The attached CD-ROM contains color illustrations, spreadsheet models, technical appendices, and problems and answers. The CD materials are accessible for novices and experts alike, and enhance the learning experience, adding electronic dynamics to the printed book.

About the Author:

Dr. Brian Fry is a Professor in the Coastal Ecology Institute and the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His mother and father both used isotopes in their research careers, so he is a second generation isotope scientist.

Customer Reviews:

A good book that interest me a lot.......2007-01-09

The author gave readers clear points in chapters with his humorous style. If you are the reader that want to understant stable isotope issue in ecology this is absolutly a great book for begining.

Average customer rating:

Very useful and in great condition
Always the best!

Isotopes: Principles and Applications
Gunter Faure , and Teresa M. Mensing
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471384372

Book Description

Covering radiogenic, radioactive, and stable isotopes, this comprehensive text contains five sections that present fundamentals of atomic physics; dating methods for terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks by means of radiogenic isotopes; geochemistry of radiogenic isotopes; dating by means of U, Th-series and cosmogenic radionuclides; and the fractionation of the stable isotopes of H, C, N, O, and S, as well as Li, B, Si, and Cl. Additionally, this edition provides:

Expanded coverage of the U-Pb methods –the most accurate available dating technique
Applications to the petrogenesis of igneous rocks
Summaries of the use of isotopic data for study of the oceans
New examples from the fields of archeology and anthropology
Radiation-damage methods of dating including fission tracks, thermoluminescence, and electron spin resonance (ESR)
Information on the dispersal of fission-product radionuclides and the disposal of radioactive waste
Extensive chapter-by-chapter problems and solutions

Customer Reviews:

Very useful and in great condition.......2007-05-29

This book is very useful and was delivered in excellent condition after only a short period of time!

Always the best!.......2005-10-10

As the Faure's 1986 2nd version being the 'classic' isotope textbook for geology, this book improved from the older version by adding new materials and new references.
It covers all of the important isotopes for geologic use including their basic geochemistry. Faure and Mensing explain everything clearly. All of the materials are nicely arranged and well written.
The only issue here is that there are many typos you can find if you read carefully.
I would recommond this book to geologists at all levels!

Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry, 1/e

Average customer rating:

Excellent Resource
A great addition to the field

Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry, 1/e
Zachary Sharp
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0130091391

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Resource.......2007-05-13

This is an excellent resource for the use and analysis of stable isotopes and their applications in isogeochemistry. Not only could this book be an excellent textbook for graduate studies, but a reference that would be utilized time and time again.

A great addition to the field.......2006-07-28

This book is sensational. It is well researched, and well written--two things that one does not always find in a science textbook. Dr. Sharp has also spent the time to index the book so that it more user friendly. I predict this book will be around for a long time. It's much more current, and useful than the other books out there on Stable Isotopes.

Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology (Developments in Water Science)

Average customer rating:

Another book on catchment hydrology?

Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology (Developments in Water Science)

Manufacturer: Elsevier Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Environmental Isotopes in Hydrogeology

ASIN: 044450155X

Book Description

This book represents a new "earth systems" approach to catchments that encompasses the physical and biogeochemical interactions that control the hydrology and biogeochemistry of the system. The text provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of catchment hydrology, principles of isotope geochemistry, and the isotope variability in the hydrologic cycle -- but the main focus of the book is on case studies in isotope hydrology and isotope geochemistry that explore the applications of isotope techniques for investigating modern environmental problems.

Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology is the first synthesis of physical hydrology and isotope geochemistry with catchment focus, and is a valuable reference for professionals and students alike in the fields of hydrology, hydrochemistry, and environmental science. This important interdisciplinary text provides extensive guidelines for the application of isotope techniques for all investigatores facing the challenge of protecting precious water, soil, and ecological resources from the ever-increasing problems associated with population growth and environmental change, including those from urban development and agricultural land uses.

Customer Reviews:

Another book on catchment hydrology?.......2004-02-28

A decently attempted foray into an otherwise exciting, yet overexamined academic topic. Catchment Hydrology is a field on the verge of media saturation, it seems that every scholar has his new catchment hydrology theory he is willing to espouse to packed lecture halls and cable tv hosts throughout the nation. While some have actually made important breakthroughs ( Limerick, Berkowitz et al) others are just falling in line behind the vanguards lapping up the short lived fame and glory. Maybe these "hydrologists" should get into the new fad, and by the way guys, pilates is already taken.

Average customer rating:

decent book (and discount that creationist review)
Excellent introduction to isotope geochemistry

Radiogenic Isotope Geology
Alan P. Dickin
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521530172

Book Description

The new and fully updated edition of this popular advanced level textbook reviews the geological applications of techniques involving natural radioactive elements. Comprehensive coverage is given to both rock dating and isotopic tracer studies. Placing more emphasis on applications to the environmental sciences, this new edition covers the latest methods. First Edition Hb (1995): 0-521-43151-4 First Edition Pb (1997): 0-521-59891-5

Download Description

This book provides a comprehensive review of natural radioactive element use in geology. It highlights the use of isotopic dating and tracer studies in solving geological problems. The author presents current ideas in their historical context, thereby leading the reader to an appreciation of the development of modern interpretations. It is an ideal text for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and an important reference for geologists and geochemists.

Customer Reviews:

decent book (and discount that creationist review).......2002-12-16

First, to actually say something about this book, it's a solid and comprehensive look at a burgeoning field. The use of radiogenic isotopes as geochemical tracers and for age determinations of various sorts is now a crucial component of studies of all parts of the Earth system. Inevitably, a single text that tries to cover such a diverse suite of rapidly developing subdisciplines will run into some glitches and not be completely current, but Dickin has provided a very good starting point for an advanced undergraduate or graduate course in isotope geochemistry and/or geochronology. This book is just about the only survey text available, and fortunately, it's good.

A second point: the "review" posted by the 'reader from Washington State' is a dogmatic creationist screed that doesn't address the content of the book and gets the story of the Jack Hills zircons wrong. The comments by this person could be taken as the type example of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. For those that are really interested, I suggest that they look at the original papers involved in the controversy. For those that are just skimming this site, let me point out that the "rock unit" that was dated at Jack Hills is a sandstone, so of course the zircons showed a "confusion of information" because they were derived from all manner of different parent rocks by erosion! If you want to understand the complexities and nuances of geochronology, and learn how these very different techniques are used for purposes like characterizing geochemical reservoirs, determining the temperature history of rocks, and --yes-- determining the absolute age of rock units, read Dickin's book, and only then visit the creation science sites for a hoot.

Excellent introduction to isotope geochemistry.......1998-12-08

This book provides a good overview of the topic of isotope geochemistry. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to begin building an understanding of this material

Average customer rating:

Good text for advanced undergraduate/graduate students
The very good book in the field of isotope hydrogeology!

Environmental Isotopes in Hydrogeology
Ian D. Clark , and Peter Fritz
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1566702496

Book Description

Groundwater is an increasingly important resource to human populations around the world, and the study and protection of groundwater is an essential part of hydrogeology - the subset of hydrology that concentrates on the subsurface. Environmental isotopes, naturally occurring nuclides in water and solutes, have become fundamental tools for tracing the recharge, history, and contamination of groundwater.

Customer Reviews:

Good text for advanced undergraduate/graduate students.......2005-03-04

I read this book for a Stable Isotope Geochemistry class as an undergraduate at UC-Davis and found it moderately understandable. My background is in ecology and as a grad student now I am using stable isotopes to answer ecological questions. I still refer to this text and even compare some of my values to values used in the text. It is well-indexed and easy to find specific subjects. Though the writing is fairly dry, there are plenty of graphs and diagrams that are very informative and display the trends and concepts satisfactorily. I wonder though if some of the data they use is a outdated. They often cite work from 1970's and earlier and I don't know if there might have been some changes in methodology and increases in applications. This book is heavily biased on freshwater systems and I would like to see a new edition with a chapter on marine applications/problems/things to consider etc. All in all I would recommend it to advanced undergraduates and higher in geology, geography, ecology, environmental sciences and those wishing to learn about isotope fractionation and its uses in science generally.

The very good book in the field of isotope hydrogeology!.......2000-08-11

This is one of the best textbooks I have ever read. The book regards the light, stable isotopes so called in hydrogeology - "environmental isotopes". The authors present the occurrence of the environmental isotopes, physical and chemical processes affecting the variations of isotopic composition of different types of waters in understandable, logical manner - starting from the hydrological cycle, from evaporation and water vapor through precipitation and fresh water to groundwaters, mixtures and brines. I think that Fritz's and Clark's book is very usefull especially for those starting the research with the isotopes in waters because such complex processes like the isotope fractionation and the mechanisms of isotope exchange are explained clearly and effectively. Although the big part of the book, what is also important to me, regards the interpretation of isotopic data, possibilities of using them to the evaluation of a water quality, identifying and dating both the modern and the old groundwaters. I refere this book either for those starting the work with stable isotopes in waters or for those having many years practice in that field. In my opinion it is not only the very good textbook but also the very well organized compendium of useful scientific information.

Principles of Isotope Geology, 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Great book. Highly recommended
Information that works

Principles of Isotope Geology, 2nd Edition
Gunter Faure
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Isotopes: Principles and Applications

ASIN: 0471864129

Book Description

This wide-ranging text in isotope geology/geoscience allows students to integrate material taught in various courses into a unified picture of the earth sciences. Gives a rational exposition of the principles used in the interpretation of isotopic data and shows how such interpretations apply to the solution of geological problems. Current with references up to 1985, chapters in this edition have been revised, and new chapters on Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, Re-Os, and K-Ca decay schemes and cosmogenic radionuclides have been added. Data summaries and references have been expanded. Also includes problems for student study and abundant line drawings with explanatory captions.

Customer Reviews:

Great book. Highly recommended.......2004-12-12

This is a great book. I had never taken geochemistry until I used this book for a class on radiogenic isotopes and geochronology. Even though I was a "geochem novice," I found the text easy to read and there were enough examples to help me understand each topic fully.

The book is also a very complete and easy to use reference.

I highly recommend this book for anyone as both a text book and as a reference.

Information that works.......2001-02-04

A great book for anyone needing information on isotopes. Well written, with enough stories of isotopes in everyday life to make the book interesting. As a textbook, it is helpful. As a reference book, it is easy to find what you are looking for. I used this book as a student in two isotope classes, and I am going to hold onto it for the rest of my career.

Average customer rating:

Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Jochen Hoefs
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:

ASIN: 3540402276

Book Description

Stable Isotope Geochemistry is an introduction to the use of stable isotopes in the geosciences. It is subdivided into three parts:

- theoretical and experimental principles;

- fractionation mechanisms of light and heavy elements;

- the natural variations of geologically important reservoirs.

The 5th edition has been revised and extended and now includes a new chapter on palaeoclimatology. Special emphasis has been given to the growing field of "heavy" elements. Many new references have been added, which will enable quick access to recent literature. For students and scientists alike the book will be a primary source of information with regard to how and where stable isotopes can be used to solve geological problems.

The Biomarker Guide, Volume 1: Biomarkers and Isotopes in the Environment and Human History

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The Biomarker Guide, Volume 1: Biomarkers and Isotopes in the Environment and Human History
K. E. Peters , C. C. Walters , and J. M. Moldowan
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Introduction to Organic Geochemistry

ASIN: 0521781582

Book Description

Biomarkers are compounds found in crude oil with structures inherited from once-living organisms. They persist in oil spills, refinery products and archaeological artifacts, and can be used to identify the origin, geological age and environmental conditions prevalent during their formation and alteration. These two volumes will be an invaluable resource for geologists, petroleum geochemists, biogeochemists, environmental and forensic scientists, natural product chemists and archaeologists. The first of two volumes of The Biomarker Guide discusses the origins of biomarkers and introduces basic chemical principles relevant to their study. It goes on to discuss analytical techniques, and the applications of biomarkers in environmental and archaeological problems.

Table of Isotopes (2 Volume Set, 8th Edition)

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Table of Isotopes (2 Volume Set, 8th Edition)
Richard B. Firestone , and Virginia S. Shirley
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Radiation Detection and Measurement

ASIN: 0471330566

Book Description

This 2-volume work contains nuclear structure and decay data for over 3,100 isotopes and isomers. Features:
* References data from thousands of pages of figures and tables.
* Encompasses about twice as much data as the previous edition.
* The extensive appendices have been entirely rewritten, expediting retrieval and use of nuclear information for many areas of research, and for users with varying levels of expertise.

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