Isotope signatures refer to the unique ratios of different isotopes of elements found in a sample. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. These isotopic ratios can provide valuable information about the origin, history, and processes that have affected a sample. Isotope signatures are often used in a variety of scientific fields, including geology, archaeology, biology, and environmental science. By measuring the ratios of isotopes in a sample, researchers can track sources of contamination, trace the movement of substances through ecosystems, date archaeological artifacts, and understand geological processes. Isotope signatures are typically measured using mass spectrometry, a technique that separates and analyzes isotopes based on their mass-to-charge ratios. This information can provide unique insights into a wide range of phenomena, making isotope signatures a powerful tool in scientific research.