Oxygen Isotope Systematics

  1. Isotopic Fractionation Principles
    1. Fundamental Concepts
      1. Definition of Isotopic Fractionation
        1. Fractionation vs Mixing
          1. Thermodynamic Basis
            1. Quantum Mechanical Effects
            2. Mass-Dependent Fractionation
              1. Physical Basis
                1. Zero-Point Energy Differences
                  1. Vibrational Frequency Effects
                    1. Bond Strength Variations
                    2. Mass Effects on Reaction Rates
                      1. Kinetic Energy Differences
                        1. Diffusion Rate Variations
                          1. Activation Energy Changes
                          2. Temperature Dependence
                            1. Pressure Effects
                            2. Fractionation Mechanisms
                              1. Equilibrium Fractionation
                                1. Thermodynamic Equilibrium
                                  1. Partition Function Theory
                                    1. Temperature Relationships
                                      1. Fractionation Factor (α)
                                        1. Enrichment Factor (ε)
                                        2. Kinetic Fractionation
                                          1. Unidirectional Processes
                                            1. Incomplete Reactions
                                              1. Rate-Dependent Effects
                                                1. Diffusion-Limited Processes
                                                2. Evaporation Fractionation
                                                  1. Molecular Velocity Effects
                                                    1. Humidity Dependence
                                                      1. Temperature Controls
                                                      2. Condensation Fractionation
                                                        1. Phase Change Effects
                                                          1. Supersaturation Influence
                                                        2. Rayleigh Fractionation Model
                                                          1. Mathematical Formulation
                                                            1. Underlying Assumptions
                                                              1. Closed System Behavior
                                                                1. Instantaneous Equilibrium
                                                                  1. Complete Product Removal
                                                                  2. Model Limitations
                                                                    1. Applications to Natural Systems
                                                                      1. Cloud Condensation
                                                                        1. Evaporation Processes
                                                                          1. Distillation Effects
                                                                          2. Graphical Representations
                                                                            1. Parameter Estimation

                                                                          Previous

                                                                          2. Isotopic Notation and Measurement

                                                                          Go to top

                                                                          Next

                                                                          4. Oxygen Isotopes in the Hydrologic Cycle