Stable Isotope Analysis

Stable Isotope Analysis is a scientific technique used to study variations in isotopes—different forms of elements that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons—in a material. This method helps researchers track sources of nutrients, understand food webs, and investigate past environmental conditions. By examining the ratios of isotopes in samples like bones, plants, or soil, scientists can gain insights into dietary habits, migration patterns, or climate changes, providing valuable information in fields such as ecology, archaeology, and geology.