In the world of geochemistry, isotope fingerprinting has emerged as a powerful tool for tracing the origins and movements of materials through time and space. By analyzing a substances’ particular isotopic signature for elements like lead (Pb) and/or strontium (Sr), researchers can unlock valuable insights into geological, environmental, and archaeological processes.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2025-03-28 06:51:352025-03-28 07:16:28Isotope Fingerprinting in Geochemical Research: Tracing Materials Across Time and Space
Lead isotopes are powerful tracers in environmental forensics due to their unique geochemical signatures. Lead has four common isotopes: 204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb, the latter 3 are the product of a radioactive decay series while 204Pb is primordial. Lead stable isotopes are reported as a ratio to 204Pb.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2025-02-28 08:06:532025-03-28 06:53:17The Role of Lead Isotopes in Environmental Forensics: Tracing Pollution Sources
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2025-01-14 19:54:392025-01-24 17:32:07Boron Isotopes: Tracking Oceanic CO2 and Climate Shifts Over Time
Water’s continuous movement and flow of water across landscapes contribute to and provide important clues into the intricacies of biogeochemical cycles at various spatial and temporal scales.
Limestone is a granular sedimentary rock predominantly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which commonly forms along shallow ocean water beds from fossilized shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms.
Gypsum is a relatively soft and common mineral made up of hydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO4-2H2O). Whilst pure gypsum crystals are transparent (often with a pearly or vitreous luster), they can appear opaque and colored due to the inclusion of other materials (e.g. sand).
Strontium dating (as enabled by the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of marine carbonates) can be used to date various marine samples based on the premise that the mixing of oceanic strontium occurs relatively rapidly through time compared to the residence time of oceanic strontium.
Ice core records are an important foundational archive for paleoclimatology. Through them scientists have reconstructed high resolution atmospheric CO2 and temperature records covering hundreds of thousands of years.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2023-09-18 17:27:522024-03-23 01:21:30Provenancing Dust in Ice Core records using Isotopes
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2023-07-24 18:00:192023-08-15 13:59:27Quality Considerations for Bone Samples
Isobar Science is now offering a Strontium Chronology Service for dating marine carbonate samples. Strontium Isotope Ratios (87Sr/86Sr) within the ocean have varied through time, creating a predictable seawater curve that can be used for dating calibration.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2023-06-06 19:43:122024-07-10 17:27:52NEW Strontium Chronology Service Available
Bones and teeth can be used for a variety of different isotopic analyses, including Oxygen, Strontium, Lead, Neodymium, Carbon, Nitrogen and dating (radiocarbon and in some cases Uranium-Thorium). There are important requirements for bone samples to ensure they produce accurate results.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2023-05-09 19:50:172024-07-10 17:30:02Best Practices When Selecting Bone Samples
Archaeological textiles can provide important evidence of social traditions and status, the economics of textile exchange, and evolving weaving technologies.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2023-04-14 14:36:332024-07-10 17:31:24Identifying Origin and Trade of Textiles using Strontium Isotopes
Lead (Pb) has four stable isotopes (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb) which are commonly used in archaeological studies, particularly in the case of connecting metal artifacts to their relevant geological or mine sources.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2023-01-25 15:16:002024-07-10 17:32:27Discovering the source of Metal Artifacts using Lead Isotopes
Caves – or rock shelters – have been studied by archaeologists for the past two centuries, with specific focus on the investigation of prehistoric cave paintings, ceremonial use and other evidence of occupation.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Daryll Orathttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngDaryll Orat2022-11-03 15:07:042024-03-20 01:48:41Isotopes & Dating in Marine Environments
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic invite researchers interested in isotopes and dating to view this FREE webinar: Isotopes & Dating in Marine Enviornments
Lead is a naturally occurring element found within the earth’s crust as well as in bodies of water, soil and overlaying plants. The rise and fall of lead use through space and time makes the reconstruction of lead isotopes very interesting for research into past civilizations and present environmental studies.
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In the food industry, certain products and ingredients are more highly valued when they originate from specific regions of the world. Given the importance of designating an origin to products, geochemical fingerprinting can be used to identify product origin.
Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) dating is a radioactive method to date a variety of carbonate samples, including corals, cave deposits, cave artwork, shells, foraminifera and bone.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-07-08 15:25:192023-08-15 14:17:01U-Th Dating in Archaeology
The concentration, composition and circulation of atmospheric dust can play an important role in the global radiation budget. Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes are inherent in many geological settings and have been used to track the origin of sediments and dust.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-06-06 20:10:112024-07-10 17:36:11Strontium & Neodymium Case Study: Connecting Atmospheric Dust to Source Region
Maps demonstrating variability in specific isotopes across a landscape have been produced in varying spatial resolutions (local, regional, global) – known as isoscapes.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-05-13 13:50:532024-07-10 17:37:15Isoscapes: connecting samples to place
View our on-demand webinar on Isotope Applications: Bone Samples in Archaeology. Topics include when to use radiocarbon dating versus uranium-thorium dating.
In petroleum exploration, it is vital to be able to interpret and date key occurrences within petroleum systems – including petroleum generation and alteration (post-generation). For example, identifying and dating the occurrence of certain authigenic minerals (e.g. carbonate cements) can provide information on when and where oil is likely to accumulate to aid in targeting exploration.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-04-29 18:20:272025-03-13 05:53:56Isotopes in Petroleum Exploration (Pb-Sr) and Verification (14C)
The details of animal origin and migratory routes through terrestrial and aquatic systems can be traced through the analysis of various stable isotopes including strontium, neodymium, carbon and oxygen.
Lead isotopes (Pb) are known to be a very toxic non-essential element, with origins within the earth’s crust. Through anthropogenic activities, lead becomes altered and released into the atmosphere, where it acts as a trace aerosol pollutant.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-04-18 15:00:382025-03-13 05:56:10Tracing Petroleum and Other Pollutants Using Lead Isotopes
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-04-10 22:10:572023-08-15 14:19:45ACRA Webinar on Bones: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-04-05 22:20:062024-10-02 02:35:39Isobar Science Exhibits at SAA 2022
Isobar’s webinar on migration studies and geographic origin will focus on lead isotopes for tracking origin and trade of metal artifacts in addition to using strontium isotopes to track diet.
A study researchering the dynamics of carbonate stratigraphy and vulnerability of sea life to climate change used a combination of radiocarbon and U-Th dating of corals and cemented sediments to date an incipient submarine landslide
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2022-02-25 09:09:172023-08-15 14:20:28A highlight on tsunami research: Professor Sam Purkis
Volcanic eruptions are significant geological events with far reaching implications. The analysis of isotopes in various sample types can provide information on the timing and magnitude of past volcanic eruptions.
In archaeological studies, lead isotopes are measured for two main applications: tracing origin of metal artefacts and reconstructing human origin and migratory patterns.
Boron isotopes are predominately made up of two naturally occurring stable isotopes – 10B and 11B. In the biosphere, boron represents a trace element integrated into organisms, allowing one to reconstruct variability in δ11B over time.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2021-12-21 15:29:292024-07-10 17:40:17Boron Isotopes as a Tracer for Oceanic CO2 and Ocean Acidification
Strontium ratios have varied in the world’s oceans through time as a result of fluctuations in strontium type and availability, often resulting from weathering of continental materials as well as volcanic activity at the mid-oceanic ridge. Such variations are recorded in oceanic sediment as a result of the precipitation of minerals from seawater, which has been used as a basis for the 87Sr/86Sr marine curve.
Before a time series of climate variability can be developed, the coral growth bands must first be dated. Corals can be dated using radiocarbon dating, U-Th dating and/or Sr-Sr dating.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2021-12-20 18:22:512024-07-10 17:43:21Corals: A marine recorder of climate variability
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s webinar on sediments focuses on dating & environmental reconstructions. This complimentary webinar takes place on December 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada).
Sediments used for climate and environmental reconstructions come in many different forms (including lacustrine, marine, peat, terrestrial and aeolian deposits) and can be characterized by their grain size, shape, sedimentary facies, chemical and biological composition and accumulation/sedimentation rate.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Haley Gershonhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngHaley Gershon2021-11-02 15:54:052024-03-20 01:44:38Analysing lake sediment cores: from dating to paleoclimate reconstructions
U-Th dating can be used to date various sample types including cave deposits/speleothems, corals, shells, bones and carbonate layers in sedimentary successions.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Haley Gershonhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngHaley Gershon2021-10-20 17:25:042023-08-15 14:23:23How to choose optimal samples for U-Th dating
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s bones webinar focuses on C-14 and U-Th methods for bone samples. Topics include optimal sample types, common issues, and how to prepare bone samples for isotopic analysis.
In geochemical research, stable and unstable isotopes are used to understand the chemistry behind natural processes. Isotopes are different forms of a single element, with differing numbers of neutrons within their nucleus, resulting in different atomic masses.
Paleoclimate archives are generally dated using two main methods: radiocarbon and uranium-thorium dating. 14C dating tends to be more accurate, however, it can only be used on samples that are less than around 50,000 years old. Whereas U-Th dating can be used for the last 500,000 years.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Haley Gershonhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngHaley Gershon2021-09-28 13:01:422023-08-15 14:24:57Developing Chronologies for Reconstructing Past Climates
Stable and radioactive isotopes can be analysed in groundwater and surface water samples in order to assess the magnitude and origin of pollution, rate of pollution infiltration into the environment, and timing of water interactions with the atmosphere.
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s paleclimatology webinar focuses on the importance of C-14 and U-Th dating in paleoclimatology, and how archives can be used to reconstruct past climate.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00Haley Gershonhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngHaley Gershon2021-09-07 15:29:112023-08-15 14:26:10Paleoclimatology Webinar: Isotopes in dating and climate-proxy relationships
The origin and movement of atmospheric dust can be estimated by analysing the geochemistry of dust collected directly from the atmosphere or from the dust layers found within ice cores or lacustrine and ocean sediment cores.
Shells, corals and other carbonates are widely used in order to assess variability in climate and environmental conditions in time. A variety of stable and radioactive isotopes can be used to date these samples and provide further information on environmental context during their lifespan.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2021-07-22 19:12:102023-08-15 14:26:49Shells, corals and other carbonates
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2021-07-12 19:25:492024-07-10 17:45:50The use of isotopic analysis on bones: dating, environmental analysis & migration
The most optimal samples for accurate U-Th dating are those that exist in closed systems, including speleothems and corals. In some cases, bones and lake sediments may also be used, but the state of your samples should be carefully considered prior to planning your analysis and interpreting U-Th dating results.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2021-06-21 16:07:002023-08-15 14:27:34Assumptions for U-Th Dating: Open vs. Closed Systems
U-Th dating is an analytical method used to date calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bearing samples, including cave deposits/speleothems, CaCO3 rock, corals, shells and (in some cases) bones.
View our on-demand webinar “Geochemical Fingerprinting: Application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb Isotope Systematics in Earth Science.” Topics include: how different processes control the distribution of elements in the earth system; measuring Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb and reporting conventions; application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb systematics in studying the governing processes in the earth system; research design and sampling strategies; and what to expect from your lab when measuring Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopes.
Continental weathering is an important part of the global carbon cycle. The measurements of strontium and neodymium isotopes have been especially important in this research domain.
The study of past climates (paleoclimatology) offers an opportunity to improve the predictability of future climate change. The stable isotopes of boron (δ11B) and oxygen (δ18O) are two important variables used to reconstruct climate in a variety of natural archives.
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Using isotopic analysis of skeletal remains and forensic evidence, one can reconstruct human profiles, analyse the environmental conditions antemortem and estimate the time of death. Other forensics-related investigations using isotope geochemistry include the analysis of trace evidence materials as well as provenancing illegal wildlife, bullets, narcotics, and other forensic evidence.
Understanding the movement of herbivores across a landscape and ecological dynamics through time is important for current conservation and ecosystem management, while providing valuable insights into evolution and adaptation. Documented historical evidence in the relationship between organisms and their surrounding vegetation is generally limited and thus isotopic analysis of fossils can provide valuable insights into this important area of research.
https://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.png00isobarhttps://isobarscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/isobar-logo-300x108-1.pngisobar2021-03-16 18:15:232023-08-15 14:29:58Tracing the diet of herbivores and omnivores through isotopic analysis
Register here to view Isobar Science’s free webinar on Lead Isotopes and Applications.
Live Webinar: March 24, 2021
Speakers: Dr. Maren Pauly and Dr. Arash Sharifi
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The analysis of the uranium-thorium (U-Th) decay chain can be used to date a variety of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bearing samples, including cave deposits (e.g. speleothems), calcium carbonate rock, corals, shells and (in some cases) bones. This method can be used to date samples existing from present day until 500,000 calendar years before present.
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Register here to view Isobar Science’s free webinar on Strontium Isotopes available on demand.
Live Webinar: February 17, 2021
Speaker: Dr. Arash Sharifi, VP of Lab Operations at Isobar Science
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Register to watch Isobar’s U-Th Dating Webinar on-demand.
Live Webinar: January 27, 2021
Speaker: Dr. Maren Pauly, Beta Analytic and Isobar Science Account Manager
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View Isobar’s Boron Isotopes free webinar on-demand.
Live Webinar: November 12, 2020
Speaker: Sean Ahearn, Project Manager for Water Services at Beta Analytic
The EGU General Assembly 2020 has moved online. EGU2020: Sharing Geoscience Online is free and open to anyone, no registration required. So, come hear Isobar Science research & development scientist Dr. Arash Sharifi present evidence from Iranian stalagmites that early human mobility in SW Asia was driven by regional climate change events.
Isobar Science is a subsidiary of radiocarbon dating and biobased testing laboratory Beta Analytic. Isobar Science provides high-quality stable isotope analysis with timely data for the following services: Sr isotopes, U-Th dating, Pb isotopes, B isotopes, Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic ratios.
Isobar Science 2025 Holiday / Lab Closure Schedule
Please be informed the Miami lab will be closed on the following dates:
Isotope Fingerprinting in Geochemical Research: Tracing Materials Across Time and Space
In the world of geochemistry, isotope fingerprinting has emerged as a powerful tool for tracing the origins and movements of materials through time and space. By analyzing a substances’ particular isotopic signature for elements like lead (Pb) and/or strontium (Sr), researchers can unlock valuable insights into geological, environmental, and archaeological processes.
The Role of Lead Isotopes in Environmental Forensics: Tracing Pollution Sources
Lead isotopes are powerful tracers in environmental forensics due to their unique geochemical signatures. Lead has four common isotopes: 204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb, the latter 3 are the product of a radioactive decay series while 204Pb is primordial. Lead stable isotopes are reported as a ratio to 204Pb.
Boron Isotopes: Tracking Oceanic CO2 and Climate Shifts Over Time
Boron’s stable isotopes, as represented by δ¹¹B, have emerged as a powerful tool
in paleoceanography and climate science.
Water: Dating & Isotopic Analyses
Water’s continuous movement and flow of water across landscapes contribute
to and provide important clues into the intricacies of biogeochemical cycles
at various spatial and temporal scales.
Limestone: Dating & Isotopic Analyses
Limestone is a granular sedimentary rock predominantly composed of
calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which commonly forms along shallow ocean
water beds from fossilized shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms.
Gypsum: Isotopes & Dating
Gypsum is a relatively soft and common mineral made up of hydrous
calcium sulfate (CaSO4-2H2O). Whilst pure gypsum crystals are transparent
(often with a pearly or vitreous luster), they can appear opaque and colored
due to the inclusion of other materials (e.g. sand).
Strontium dating of foraminifera, shells & corals
Strontium dating (as enabled by the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of marine carbonates) can be used to date various marine samples based on the premise that the mixing of oceanic strontium occurs relatively rapidly through time compared to the residence time of oceanic strontium.
Provenancing Dust in Ice Core records using Isotopes
Ice core records are an important foundational archive for paleoclimatology. Through them scientists have reconstructed high resolution atmospheric CO2 and temperature records covering hundreds of thousands of years.
Isotopic Analysis of Pottery & Food Residues
Archaeological pottery samples can be provenanced through the analysis of the origin of its component clay and temper.
Quality Considerations for Bone Samples
Bones and teeth are relatively common within the archaeological and paleontological record due to the tendency for high preservation after burial.
NEW Strontium Chronology Service Available
Isobar Science is now offering a Strontium Chronology Service for dating marine carbonate samples. Strontium Isotope Ratios (87Sr/86Sr) within the ocean have varied through time, creating a predictable seawater curve that can be used for dating calibration.
Best Practices When Selecting Bone Samples
Bones and teeth can be used for a variety of different isotopic analyses, including Oxygen, Strontium, Lead, Neodymium, Carbon, Nitrogen and dating (radiocarbon and in some cases Uranium-Thorium). There are important requirements for bone samples to ensure they produce accurate results.
Identifying Origin and Trade of Textiles using Strontium Isotopes
Archaeological textiles can provide important evidence of social traditions and status, the economics of textile exchange, and evolving weaving technologies.
Free Webinar on Strontium + Boron in Hydrochemistry
Isobar’s webinar will focus on boron and strontium to identify isotopic variability in the hydrosphere, including identification of pollution sources.
Discovering the source of Metal Artifacts using Lead Isotopes
Lead (Pb) has four stable isotopes (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb) which are commonly used in archaeological studies, particularly in the case of connecting metal artifacts to their relevant geological or mine sources.
Cave Deposits: Chronology Development & Environmental Reconstruction
Caves are natural intact cavities found in many different landscapes which have been accessible to humans and animals for millions of years.
Archaeological investigations of caves
Caves – or rock shelters – have been studied by archaeologists for the past two centuries, with specific focus on the investigation of prehistoric cave paintings, ceremonial use and other evidence of occupation.
Isotopes & Dating in Marine Environments
There are numerous different options for dating marine samples, each with applicable timespans, levels of certainty and limitations.
Free Webinar on Marine Environments
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic invite researchers interested in isotopes and dating to view this FREE webinar: Isotopes & Dating in Marine Enviornments
Free Webinar – Biogenic Apatite
Live Webinar: September 20, 2022 – 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Speaker: Maren Pauly, PhD
Reconstructing Lead Pollution & Exposure through History
Lead is a naturally occurring element found within the earth’s crust as well as in bodies of water, soil and overlaying plants. The rise and fall of lead use through space and time makes the reconstruction of lead isotopes very interesting for research into past civilizations and present environmental studies.
Isoscapes in Food Science
In the food industry, certain products and ingredients are more highly valued when they originate from specific regions of the world. Given the importance of designating an origin to products, geochemical fingerprinting can be used to identify product origin.
U-Th Dating in Archaeology
Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) dating is a radioactive method to date a variety of carbonate samples, including corals, cave deposits, cave artwork, shells, foraminifera and bone.
Strontium & Neodymium Case Study: Connecting Atmospheric Dust to Source Region
The concentration, composition and circulation of atmospheric dust can play an important role in the global radiation budget. Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes are inherent in many geological settings and have been used to track the origin of sediments and dust.
Isoscapes: connecting samples to place
Maps demonstrating variability in specific isotopes across a landscape have been produced in varying spatial resolutions (local, regional, global) – known as isoscapes.
On-demand Webinar – Bone Samples in Archaeology
View our on-demand webinar on Isotope Applications: Bone Samples in Archaeology. Topics include when to use radiocarbon dating versus uranium-thorium dating.
Isotopes in Petroleum Exploration (Pb-Sr) and Verification (14C)
In petroleum exploration, it is vital to be able to interpret and date key occurrences within petroleum systems – including petroleum generation and alteration (post-generation). For example, identifying and dating the occurrence of certain authigenic minerals (e.g. carbonate cements) can provide information on when and where oil is likely to accumulate to aid in targeting exploration.
Using Strontium Isotopes to Track Animal Origin and Migration
The details of animal origin and migratory routes through terrestrial and aquatic systems can be traced through the analysis of various stable isotopes including strontium, neodymium, carbon and oxygen.
Tracing Petroleum and Other Pollutants Using Lead Isotopes
Lead isotopes (Pb) are known to be a very toxic non-essential element, with origins within the earth’s crust. Through anthropogenic activities, lead becomes altered and released into the atmosphere, where it acts as a trace aerosol pollutant.
ACRA Webinar on Bones: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
Bones: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
Live Webinar: April 14, 2022 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time
Isobar Science Exhibits at SAA 2022
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic continue to support the Society of American Archaeology (SAA) by joining its annual meeting as an exhibitor.
Isobar’s Webinar: Migration Studies & Geographic Origin
Isobar’s webinar on migration studies and geographic origin will focus on lead isotopes for tracking origin and trade of metal artifacts in addition to using strontium isotopes to track diet.
A highlight on tsunami research: Professor Sam Purkis
A study researchering the dynamics of carbonate stratigraphy and vulnerability of sea life to climate change used a combination of radiocarbon and U-Th dating of corals and cemented sediments to date an incipient submarine landslide
Tracing Volcanic Eruptions using Strontium Isotopes
Volcanic eruptions are significant geological events with far reaching implications. The analysis of isotopes in various sample types can provide information on the timing and magnitude of past volcanic eruptions.
Lead Isotopes in Archaeology
In archaeological studies, lead isotopes are measured for two main applications: tracing origin of metal artefacts and reconstructing human origin and migratory patterns.
Boron Isotopes as a Tracer for Oceanic CO2 and Ocean Acidification
Boron isotopes are predominately made up of two naturally occurring stable isotopes – 10B and 11B. In the biosphere, boron represents a trace element integrated into organisms, allowing one to reconstruct variability in δ11B over time.
Strontium Isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) for Geochronology
Strontium ratios have varied in the world’s oceans through time as a result of fluctuations in strontium type and availability, often resulting from weathering of continental materials as well as volcanic activity at the mid-oceanic ridge. Such variations are recorded in oceanic sediment as a result of the precipitation of minerals from seawater, which has been used as a basis for the 87Sr/86Sr marine curve.
Corals: A marine recorder of climate variability
Before a time series of climate variability can be developed, the coral growth bands must first be dated. Corals can be dated using radiocarbon dating, U-Th dating and/or Sr-Sr dating.
Sediments Webinar: Dating & Environmental Reconstructions
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s webinar on sediments focuses on dating & environmental reconstructions. This complimentary webinar takes place on December 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada).
Analysing lake sediment cores: from dating to paleoclimate reconstructions
Sediments used for climate and environmental reconstructions come in many different forms (including lacustrine, marine, peat, terrestrial and aeolian deposits) and can be characterized by their grain size, shape, sedimentary facies, chemical and biological composition and accumulation/sedimentation rate.
How to choose optimal samples for U-Th dating
U-Th dating can be used to date various sample types including cave deposits/speleothems, corals, shells, bones and carbonate layers in sedimentary successions.
Bones Webinar: Isotopes in Dating, Diets and Migration Studies
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s bones webinar focuses on C-14 and U-Th methods for bone samples. Topics include optimal sample types, common issues, and how to prepare bone samples for isotopic analysis.
Geochemistry: Stable and Radioactive Isotopes
In geochemical research, stable and unstable isotopes are used to understand the chemistry behind natural processes. Isotopes are different forms of a single element, with differing numbers of neutrons within their nucleus, resulting in different atomic masses.
Developing Chronologies for Reconstructing Past Climates
Paleoclimate archives are generally dated using two main methods: radiocarbon and uranium-thorium dating. 14C dating tends to be more accurate, however, it can only be used on samples that are less than around 50,000 years old. Whereas U-Th dating can be used for the last 500,000 years.
Analysing Water Samples
Stable and radioactive isotopes can be analysed in groundwater and surface water samples in order to assess the magnitude and origin of pollution, rate of pollution infiltration into the environment, and timing of water interactions with the atmosphere.
Paleoclimatology Webinar: Isotopes in dating and climate-proxy relationships
Isobar Science and Beta Analytic’s paleclimatology webinar focuses on the importance of C-14 and U-Th dating in paleoclimatology, and how archives can be used to reconstruct past climate.
Mineral Dust Samples: Analysing Strontium (Sr), Strontium-Neodymium-Hafnium (Sr-Nd-Hf) and Lead (Pb) Isotopes
The origin and movement of atmospheric dust can be estimated by analysing the geochemistry of dust collected directly from the atmosphere or from the dust layers found within ice cores or lacustrine and ocean sediment cores.
Shells, corals and other carbonates
Shells, corals and other carbonates are widely used in order to assess variability in climate and environmental conditions in time. A variety of stable and radioactive isotopes can be used to date these samples and provide further information on environmental context during their lifespan.
The use of isotopic analysis on bones: dating, environmental analysis & migration
Different isotopes on bone samples may be measured, depending on the scope of the research, and which questions the researcher is seeking to answer.
Assumptions for U-Th Dating: Open vs. Closed Systems
The most optimal samples for accurate U-Th dating are those that exist in closed systems, including speleothems and corals. In some cases, bones and lake sediments may also be used, but the state of your samples should be carefully considered prior to planning your analysis and interpreting U-Th dating results.
What is Uranium-Thorium Dating?
U-Th dating is an analytical method used to date calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bearing samples, including cave deposits/speleothems, CaCO3 rock, corals, shells and (in some cases) bones.
Isobar’s Webinar: Application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb Isotope Systematics in Earth Science
View our on-demand webinar “Geochemical Fingerprinting: Application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb Isotope Systematics in Earth Science.” Topics include: how different processes control the distribution of elements in the earth system; measuring Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb and reporting conventions; application of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb systematics in studying the governing processes in the earth system; research design and sampling strategies; and what to expect from your lab when measuring Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopes.
Sr-Nd Isotopes for Weathering Studies
Continental weathering is an important part of the global carbon cycle. The measurements of strontium and neodymium isotopes have been especially important in this research domain.
Studying past climates using stable isotopes
The study of past climates (paleoclimatology) offers an opportunity to improve the predictability of future climate change. The stable isotopes of boron (δ11B) and oxygen (δ18O) are two important variables used to reconstruct climate in a variety of natural archives.
Isotopic analysis in forensic geography
Using isotopic analysis of skeletal remains and forensic evidence, one can reconstruct human profiles, analyse the environmental conditions antemortem and estimate the time of death. Other forensics-related investigations using isotope geochemistry include the analysis of trace evidence materials as well as provenancing illegal wildlife, bullets, narcotics, and other forensic evidence.
Tracing the diet of herbivores and omnivores through isotopic analysis
Understanding the movement of herbivores across a landscape and ecological dynamics through time is important for current conservation and ecosystem management, while providing valuable insights into evolution and adaptation. Documented historical evidence in the relationship between organisms and their surrounding vegetation is generally limited and thus isotopic analysis of fossils can provide valuable insights into this important area of research.
Isobar’s Lead Isotopes Webinar
Register here to view Isobar Science’s free webinar on Lead Isotopes and Applications.
Live Webinar: March 24, 2021
Speakers: Dr. Maren Pauly and Dr. Arash Sharifi
U-Th Dating vs Radiocarbon Dating
The analysis of the uranium-thorium (U-Th) decay chain can be used to date a variety of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bearing samples, including cave deposits (e.g. speleothems), calcium carbonate rock, corals, shells and (in some cases) bones. This method can be used to date samples existing from present day until 500,000 calendar years before present.
Isobar’s Geochemistry of Strontium Isotopes Webinar
Register here to view Isobar Science’s free webinar on Strontium Isotopes available on demand.
Live Webinar: February 17, 2021
Speaker: Dr. Arash Sharifi, VP of Lab Operations at Isobar Science
Isobar’s U-Th Dating Webinar
Register to watch Isobar’s U-Th Dating Webinar on-demand.
Live Webinar: January 27, 2021
Speaker: Dr. Maren Pauly, Beta Analytic and Isobar Science Account Manager
Isobar Science’s Boron Isotopes Webinar
View Isobar’s Boron Isotopes free webinar on-demand.
Live Webinar: November 12, 2020
Speaker: Sean Ahearn, Project Manager for Water Services at Beta Analytic
Isobar Science Presents at EGU2020: Sharing Geoscience Online
The EGU General Assembly 2020 has moved online. EGU2020: Sharing Geoscience Online is free and open to anyone, no registration required. So, come hear Isobar Science research & development scientist Dr. Arash Sharifi present evidence from Iranian stalagmites that early human mobility in SW Asia was driven by regional climate change events.
Isobar Science Offers High-quality Isotopic Analysis
Isobar Science is a subsidiary of radiocarbon dating and biobased testing laboratory Beta Analytic. Isobar Science provides high-quality stable isotope analysis with timely data for the following services: Sr isotopes, U-Th dating, Pb isotopes, B isotopes, Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic ratios.