environmental isotopes

Environmental isotopes are variants of chemical elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic weights. These isotopes can be found in nature, such as carbon-14 in organic materials or oxygen-18 in water. Scientists use them to study environmental processes, track climate changes, and date archaeological artifacts. By analyzing the ratios of these isotopes in various samples, researchers gain insights into historical climates, ancient ecosystems, and the movement of water in the environment, helping to understand both natural and human impacts on the Earth.