Principles of Stable Isotope Distribution

The book presents a quantitative treatment of the theory and natural variations of light stable isotopes. Isotope distribution is rigorously discussed in the context of fractionation processes, thermodynamics, mass conservation, exchange kinetics and diffusion theory, in a treatment that includes more than 100 original applications. The theoretical principles are illustrated with natural examples, emphasizing oygen and hydrogen isotope variations in natural waters, terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks, and hydrothermal systems. New data on meteoric precipitation, rivers, and hydrothermal systems are included.