USGS - science for a changing world

Science Topics

Maps, Imagery, and Publications Hazards Newsroom Education Jobs Partnerships Library About USGS Podcasts/RSS
You are here: Methods > Laboratory methods > Isotopic analysis
Help
Light stable isotope analysis
Analytical technique using mass spectrometry to measure the different isotopic forms of low mass (light) elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur that occur in samples.
Subtopics:
Carbon isotope analysis (5 items)
Oxygen isotope analysis (6 items)
Tritium analysis (2 items)
Related topics:

Results 1 - 14 of 14 listed by similarity [list alphabetically]
Fundamentals of stable isotope geochemistry [More info]
Brief review of some of the fundamentals of stable isotope geochemistry including definitions, basic principles, standards, and guidelines on reporting data.
Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory [More info]
The Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory conducts research on the use of isotope ratio measurements in studies of water resources and environmental quality.
PDF Selenium and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in the benthic clam Corbula amurensis from Northern San Francisco Bay, California: May 1995-February 2010 [More info]
Monthly selenium concentration in this keystone species shows strong spatial and seasonal variation in a five-year series of analyses.
Geochemical sediment analysis procedures [More info]
Manual of chemical sediment analysis using Coulometer and CHN Analyzers to measure carbon content, spectrometric analysis for biogenic silica, and radiochemistry to measure isotopes. Includes techniques,sample preparation, and safety procedures.
PDF Isotope and Chemical Methods in Support of the U.S. Geological Survey Science Strategy, 2003-2008 [More info]
Types of geochemical and isotopic analyses used in conducting a variety of research studies in USGS, primarily focused on mineral deposit formation.
Carolina slate belt gold deposits in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia [More info]
Report of research on the Carolina slate belt and gold deposits in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia with geologic mapping, mineralogic, geochemical, and fluid evolution studies, radiogenic dating, and stable isotope studies.
PDF Devils Hole, Nevada--A Primer [More info]
Explains the important paleoclimatic information we have obtained from this subaqueous cavern. The time-series data show important contrasts with what would be predicted from orbital theory, provoking extensive scientific discussion.
PDF Evidence of multidecadal climate variability in the Gulf of Mexico [More info]
Direct measurement of an important indicator of interannual variability is extended, using geological proxy measures, farther back in time to well before modern measurements were made. This tells us about the history of climate variability.
Geochronology (Western Earth Surface Processes Team) [More info]
Description of the methods of geochronology, the science of dating, used by USGS scientists in geological research.
How do geologists date rocks? Radiometric dating! [More info]
Explanation of how geologists date rocks (to determine the ages of the Earth, fossils, mineral deposits, and other geologic events) and processes using radiometric dating techniques based on radioactive isotopes of carbon and potassium/argon.
PDF Nitrate concentrations and potential sources in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards aquifer and its contributing zone, Central Texas [More info]
The area contributing recharge to this aquifer is undergoing rapid growth, generating more wastewater. We found that nitrate, a major component of wastewater and a nutrient that can degrade water quality, has increased in the creeks in this area.
Periodic table page [More info]
An "image map" periodic table and short notes about many isotopes and their applications to illustrate the uses of assorted isotopes in hydrology, geology, and biology.
Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory [More info]
Site on the Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory and its analytical services for CFCs, sulfur hexafluoride, dissolved gases including nitrogen, argon, methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and helium, and tritium/helium-3 dating.
The chronology for the d18O record from Devils Hole, Nevada, extended into the Mid-Holocene [More info]
This study extends the oxygen isotope record of this important paleoclimate record forward in time to cover more recent history, up to 4,500 years before present.
Alphabetical Index of Topics a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.usgs.gov/science//science/science.php?term=654
Page Contact Information: Ask USGS