In the past two decades compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSI-AA) has exploded, moving from a novel analysis performed by a few labs to an increasingly mainstream technique, employed across a steadily increasing range of disciplines from ecology, archaeology, paleoceanography, geomicrobiology, and biogeochemical cycle research. Amino acid stable carbon (δ¹³CAA) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵NAA) measurements remain the best developed applications, with D/H ratios of AA and molecular position-specific isotopes representing the next frontier.

Most work to date has focused on establishing trophic connectivity and baseline isotope values in modern and Anthropocene ecological applications. However, CSI-AA also has enormous potential for paleo studies. A wide range of δ¹⁵NAA and δ¹³CAA proxies have now been adapted for reconstruction of past N and C cycles, including primary production assemblages, nutrient and export production isotope values. When coupled with appropriate archives, these approaches represent an entirely new suite of paleo-tools, based on the most abundant class of nitrogenous molecules in well preserved organic material, and offering information about specific processes far beyond common bulk stable isotope records.

This talk will present an overview CSI-AA techniques and potential applications, focused primarily on δ¹³CAA and δ¹⁵NAA applications in paleo-archives, fossils, and microfossils, for reconstructing the ocean N cycle progressively farther back in time. It will ask how far the past it may be possible to apply this approach, in the face of organic diagenesis and degradation.

Lieu
LOCEAN, couloir 45-55, 4^e étage, pièce 417
4, place Jussieu 75005 Paris

Lien zoom
https://cnrs.zoom.us/j/92825050021?pwd=cG1vbUtFZFoxT083V2JYNndDeDdiQT09
Meeting ID: 928 2505 0021
Passcode: LWy4cX