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

Mettam, Colin

ISBN 10: 1108810705 / ISBN 13: 9781108810708

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2021

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Nitrogen Isotopes in Deep Time (Elements in Geochemical Tracers in Earth System Science)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108810705
• ISBN 13: 9781108810708
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

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.