Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published December 2021 | public
Journal Article

Reading the Isotopic Code of Heavy Elements

Abstract

The isotopic variability of the elements in our planet and Solar System is the end result of a complex mixture of processes, including variable production of isotopes in stars, ingrowth of daughter nuclides due to decay of radioactive parents, and selective incorporation of isotopes into solids, liquids, or gases as a function of their mass and/or nuclear volume. Interpreting the isotopic imprints that planetary formation and evolution have left in the rock and mineral record requires not only precise and accurate measurements but also an understanding of the drivers behind isotopic variability. Here, we introduce fundamental concepts needed to "read" the isotopic code, with particular emphasis on heavy stable isotope systems.

Additional Information

© 2021 by the Mineralogical Society of America. This work was supported by NSF-EAR 2131632 and 2131643 grants to M.I-M., and by NSF-EAR 1824002 grant, a Packard Fellowship and Caltech start-up funds to F.L.H.T. We thank S. Aarons, M. Blanchard, P. Sossi, J. Watkins and E. Young for valuable reviews that improved the clarity of this article.

Additional details

Created:
August 22, 2023
Modified:
October 24, 2023