Isotope geochemistry

Isotope geochemistry is the study of how different forms of elements, called isotopes, vary in nature and what these variations reveal about geological processes. Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to slight differences in their behavior. By analyzing isotopes in rocks, minerals, and organic materials, scientists can understand Earth’s history, climate changes, and the origins of natural resources. This field helps us decipher past environments, track climate shifts, and understand processes like volcanic eruptions and the movement of water through the Earth.