Compound-specific isotope analysis is applied to obtain information on isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δD) of defined organic matter.
Gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry is applied to determine compound-specific isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δD) of hydrocarbons in crude oils, gas samples and organic extracts from sediments, rocks, soils, water, plants and microorganisms to (1) investigate biogeochemical processes such as biodegradation of petroleum, (2) evaluate origin and fate of …

In the Organic Surface Geochemistry Lab (OSGLab) of the Geomorphology section, the smallest of molecules and isotopes open a door to the past. In the OSGLab we conduct research on regional differences of the causes and effects of past climate change and variations in biochemical cycles. In some projects, we can determine the "traces" of climate change down to a decade, in other projects biogeochemical processes are traced over millions of years.
In the laboratory, changes in the carbon …