The interdisciplinary field of geochemistry and hydrology, which deals with isotope utilization to estimate the age and origin of surface and groundwater is known as isotope hydrology. It also studies the circulation and movement of water with the hydrologic cycle. Water molecules carry unique isotope fingerprints located in parts of different proportions of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes which constitute the water molecule. It also helps in determining the age of ice or snow using stable isotopes. The techniques used are beneficial for conserving water supplies, controlling pollution and mapping aquifers. This field also has applications in ecohydrology. It is used to understand the impact of humans on the varied dimensions of the hydrological cycle and other ecosystem services. This book unravels the recent studies in the field of isotope hydrology. The ever-growing need of advanced technology is the reason that has fueled the research in this field in recent times. For all those who are interested in isotope hydrology, this book can prove to be an essential guide.

Within the realm of the newly evolving discipline of environmental sciences, the stable-isotope methodology is being used to an ever-increasing extent, especially in the study of the water cycle and of paleo-climatology. This book introduces the rules of the game, by reviewing the natural variability of stable isotopes in the hydrosphere, describing the physico-chemical basis of isotope fractionation, and applying this knowledge to natural waters as they move through the hydrologic cycle from the ocean to the atmosphere, the biosphere and the lithosphere. There is a special focus on the processes at the surface?atmosphere and land?biosphere?atmosphere interfaces, since these are the sites of major changes in isotope composition. In response to the increasing awareness of our changing climate, a discussion on the global view of the changing water cycle, in the past and future, winds up the presentation.

In Indian context.

Environmental isotope and nuclear techniques provide unmatched insights into the processes governing the water cycle and its variability. This monograph presents state of the art applications and new developments of isotopes in hydrology, environmental disciplines and climate change studies. Coverage ranges from the assessment of groundwater resources in terms of recharge and flow regime to studies of the past and present global environmental and climate changes.

The quadrennial IAEA symposia are an important component of the IAEA's mission in water resources management. The 12th symposium in the series was convened with the objectives of: reviewing the state of the art in isotope hydrology; outlining recent developments in the application of isotope techniques to water resources management; and identifying future trends and developments for research and applications. The breadth of topics addressed included analytical developments, the use of isotopes to understand land-atmosphere-biosphere interactions, rivers and surface water, development of deep groundwater resources, ecohydrology, urbanization and water resources management, carbon sequestration, waste management, artificial recharge, contamination problems, coastal zone hydrology, geothermal systems, agriculture and water resources management, and research frontiers.--Publisher's description.

Environmental isotope and nuclear techniques provide unmatched insights into the processes governing the water cycle and its variability. This monograph presents state of the art applications and new developments of isotopes in hydrology, environmental disciplines and climate change studies. Coverage ranges from the assessment of groundwater resources in terms of recharge and flow regime to studies of the past and present global environmental and climate changes.

Groundwater is an increasingly important resource to human populations around the world, and the study and protection of groundwater is an essential part of hydrogeology - the subset of hydrology that concentrates on the subsurface. Environmental isotopes, naturally occurring nuclides in water and solutes, have become fundamental tools for tracing