Nitrogen Isotopes in Deep Time (Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science) - Softcover

Book 11 of 23: Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science

Mettam, Colin

 
9781108810708: Nitrogen Isotopes in Deep Time (Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 1108810705 ISBN 13: 9781108810708
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2021

Synopsis

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for life, and its sources and cycling have varied over earth history. Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen compounds (expressed as δ15N, in ‰) are preserved in the sedimentary record and track these changes, providing important insights into associated biogeochemical feedbacks. Here we review the use of nitrogen stable isotope geochemistry in unravelling the evolution of the global N cycle in deep time. We highlight difficulties with preservation, unambiguous interpretations, and local versus global effects. We end with several case studies illustrating how depositional and stratigraphic context is crucial in reliably interpreting δ15N records in ancient marine sediments, both in ancient anoxic (Archean) and more recent well oxygenated (Phanerozoic) environments.

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Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Publication date
2021
Language
English
ISBN 10 
1108810705
ISBN 13 
9781108810708
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
28