First detection of the atomic O18 isotope in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere of Earth

Lifetimes and decay mechanisms of isotopically substituted ozone above the dissociation threshold: matching quantum and classical dynamics

“…The isotopic variability of oxygen in the solar system, along with large mass dependent fractionation on the Earth, with a difference between the atmosphere and hydrosphere was the subject of many measurements as recently reviewed by Ireland et al 12 A higher fraction of the heavy 18 O isotope was reported in the lower atmosphere compared to the ocean water. 15 An isotopic enrichment in oxygen is consistent with the MDF and is attributed to the biological activity. 15,16 Oxygen isotopes in single-celled organism sediments provide information on changes in ocean temperatures over the last 70 million years.…”

“…15 An isotopic enrichment in oxygen is consistent with the MDF and is attributed to the biological activity. 15,16 Oxygen isotopes in single-celled organism sediments provide information on changes in ocean temperatures over the last 70 million years. 17 Recent astrophysical studies suggest that the distribution of oxygen isotopes can help understand the formation processes of the solar system and other exoplanetary systems.…”

“…Fig 15. The resonance with E = 8599.12 cm À1 , t = 3.3 ps, corresponding to the rotational roaming of the18 O oxygen around the light diatomic fragment16 O16 O.…”

Oxygen in the Earth System

“…Measurements of the isotopes of atomic oxygen in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere were performed for the first time via the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) [38]. It was found that oxygen contained a higher fraction of the heavy oxygen isotope 18 O than ocean water.…”

Tracking Isotopes in the Upper Atmosphere

“…Researchers have previously measured 18 O abundances in atmospheric layers below 60 km, but their values higher up remained unknown. Now Helmut Wiesemeyer of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, Germany, and colleagues have done just that [1]. Their measuring approach could shed light on important questions in atmospheric physics, using 18 O to probe, for instance, how global changes in the composition of lower atmospheric layers affect upper layers.…”