Application in Lithosphere

**3**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

of natural (7

and δ

dynamic replacement

**1. Introduction**

Dynamics

Isoscape Analysis for Elucidating

Redistribution and Soil Carbon

Isotopic tracers are useful for assessing linkages between soil movement and soil carbon dynamics in landscapes. Analyses of isotopes and comparison of isoscape (isotopic landscape) with observational data have been employed to investigate spatial distributions of isotopes, to test efficiencies of isotopic models, and to examine soil redistribution patterns and C dynamics. This chapter reviewed the application

Be, 210Pb) and anthropogenic fallout radionuclides (137Cs, 239,240Pu),

13C) to trace soil

and C isotopes (12,13,14C) in understanding mechanisms of soil redistribution and sedimentation. The chapter was organized to cover the formation, sources, and transport of these isotopes; how they are distributed and related to soil redistribution on C dynamics; and importance of their distribution (isoscapes) on investigating soil properties. We also provided a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of applying isotopes and isoscape modeling for understanding soil property variability in response to anthropogenic disturbance in a low-relief cropland field. Results

movements and C dynamics. Topography-based 137Cs and C isoscape models were developed using light detection and ranging data (LiDAR) derived topographic metrics. The models successfully simulated the spatial patterns of 137Cs inventory

**Keywords:** isotope analysis, isoscape, soil redistribution, soil carbon dynamics,

13C over an agricultural landscape and can benefit soil sedimentation and C

Soil redistribution (i.e., erosion and deposition) exerts a significant impact on the global carbon (C) cycle. Movement of soil particles could either redistribute soil C or change the C mineralization through disruption of soil aggregation, reaggregation of deposited soils, and deep burial of C-enriched sediments at depositional sites [1]. When soil erosion occurs, the surface concentrated and low-density proportions of sediments, such as soil organic carbon (SOC), are preferentially removed by runoff, wind, and/or tillage activities. A greater SOC enrichment ratio in eroded sediment is usually observed compared to its origin [2]. The eroded

demonstrated advantages of using 137Cs and C isotopic signature (δ

dynamic studies in areas with limited observations.

Relationships between Soil

*Xia Li, Gregory McCarty and Sangchul Lee*

## **Chapter 1**
