isotopic geochemistry

Isotopic geochemistry studies the distribution and ratios of different isotopes—atoms of the same element with varying neutron counts—in Earth materials. These ratios can reveal information about processes like natural weathering, volcanic activity, and the history of rocks and minerals. By analyzing isotopic signatures, scientists can trace material origins, timing of geological events, and environmental conditions. It’s a powerful tool for understanding Earth's evolution, climate change, and planetary processes, helping us decode the history recorded in the Earth's crust and other planetary bodies.