Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Our team works on various topics in the field of Earth Sciences, through the prism of variations in the isotopic compositions of stable isotopes (C, N, S , O, H etc…). They obey simple laws, based on a solid theory, which allow the description among other of the isotopic variations associated with the processes of carbon degassing in a volcano as well as those governing the sulfate content of the ocean or the bio-remediation of perchlorates in a polluted aquifer.
Stable isotope geochemistry allows us to address topics as varied as the formation of the solar nebula, the formation and evolution of our planet, the study of present and past climates, or the tracing of anthropogenic contamination sources and the problems of geological sequestration of carbon dioxide.
This is a rapidly developing field that saw considerable advances in the last decade with the development of new isotopic systems (Cl, Br, Fe etc…), the analysis of all isotopic ratios of the same element (e.g. 17O/16O and 18O/16O, 33S/32S, 34S/32S and 36S/32S) and the analysis of the abundance of multisubstituted molecules (e.g. the abundance of 13C-18O of carbonates).
You will find more information on the topics, the measurements and the instruments used by our team in the different sections of this site, as well as on the personal pages of the team members.