Nitrogen Isotopes in Deep Time

Nitrogen stable isotope geochemistry can be used to unravel the evolution of the global N cycle in deep time.

Colin Mettam (Author), Aubrey L. Zerkle (Author)

9781108810708, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 February 2021

75 pages
15 x 23 x 0.3 cm, 0.59 kg

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 ?15N, 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 ?15N records in ancient marine sediments, both in ancient anoxic (Archean) and more recent well oxygenated (Phanerozoic) environments.

1. Introduction – Nitrogen in life
2. The ?15N proxy in a nutshell
3. Methods and limitations
4. Case studies
5. Future perspectives.

Subject Areas: The environment [RN], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK], Earth sciences [RB]