An isoscape is a
geologic map
A geologic map or geological map is a special-purpose map made to show various geological features. Rock units or geologic strata are shown by color or symbols. Bedding planes and structural features such as faults, folds, are shown with st ...
of isotope distribution. It is a spatially explicit prediction of elemental
isotope ratios (δ) that is produced by executing process-level
models of elemental
isotope fractionation
Isotope fractionation describes fractionation processes that affect the relative abundance of isotopes, phenomena which are taken advantage of in isotope geochemistry and other fields. Normally, the focus is on stable isotopes of the same element. ...
or distribution in a
geographic information system
A geographic information system (GIS) is a type of database containing Geographic data and information, geographic data (that is, descriptions of phenomena for which location is relevant), combined with Geographic information system software, sof ...
(GIS).
The word isoscape is derived from isotope landscape and was first coined by Jason B. West.
Isoscapes of
hydrogen,
carbon,
oxygen,
nitrogen,
strontium
Strontium is the chemical element with the symbol Sr and atomic number 38. An alkaline earth metal, strontium is a soft silver-white yellowish metallic element that is highly chemically reactive. The metal forms a dark oxide layer when it is ex ...
and
sulfur
Sulfur (or sulphur in British English) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with a chemical formula ...
have been used to answer scientific or forensic questions regarding the sources, partitioning, or provenance of natural and synthetic materials or organisms via their
isotopic signatures. These include questions about
migration, Earth's
element cycles,
human water use,
climate,
archaeological reconstructions,
forensic science
Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, mainly—on the criminal side—during criminal investigation, as governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal ...
, and
pollution. Isoscapes of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of precipitation, surface water, groundwater, and tap water
have been developed to better understand the water cycle at regional to global scales.
See also
*
Isotope geochemistry
Notes
Isotopes
Geographic information systems
Map types
{{Isotope-stub