Practice-oriented systematic survey of isotope tracers in coastal hydrogeology
Rising sea levels have made monitoring the seawater-freshwater interface an urgent priority for protecting coastal environments and human livelihoods. Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Tracers in Coastal Hydrogeology systematically addresses current isotope methods for investigating coastal contaminants, groundwater movement, seawater intrusion, and submarine groundwater discharge. It provides a practice-oriented manual organized by individual isotope tracer systems.
Isotope-specific chapters cover all relevant tracers—including ¹⁸O, ²H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ³H/3He, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, and different Radium isotopes —demonstrating how each tool determines groundwater sources and age, identifies pollutants, and characterizes interactions between coastal groundwater and the ocean. Case studies with recent sample data support direct implementation of research projects. The final chapter highlights emerging isotope techniques for the study of surface water/groundwater mixing.
Readers will also find:
- Detailed protocols for applying stable and radiogenic isotope methods to submarine groundwater discharge investigations in coastal settings
- Practical frameworks integrating isotope hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, and geophysics for characterizing groundwater dynamics in floodplains and estuaries
- Coverage of anthropogenic impact assessment in coastal regions where seawater intrusion threatens freshwater resources and environmental stability
- Discussion of prospective research avenues and emerging isotope techniques that will shape the next generation of coastal hydrogeological studies
Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Tracers in Coastal Hydrogeology serves researchers and professionals in hydrology, geology, and environmental science who require a systematic reference for deploying isotope tools in coastal settings. Its case studies and sample data make it equally valuable for designing fieldwork campaigns and interpreting analytical results.
