Isotopic Signature
Isotopic signature refers to the unique ratios of atomic weights of elements found in a particular sample. This signature provides insight into the past or original source of the element or material, as the ratio of elements is often specific to the environment in which the sample was formed or created. Isotopic signatures can thus be used to identify the origin of a sample, and therefore have great significance in many fields, including geology, archaeology, forensics, and other sciences. They are often used to trace the origins of elements such as petroleum, archaeological artifacts, atmospheric pollutants, and water sources. Isotopic signature analysis is key to understanding the history of a material or element, as many materials that are found naturally in the environment are actually of human origin and are thus traceable back to their original sources.
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