Isotopic analysis is a scientific technique used to study the isotopic composition of elements in natural samples such as rocks, minerals, water, biological tissues, and archaeological artifacts. By measuring the ratios of different isotopes of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, scientists can gain valuable insights into the origins, processes, and histories of these samples. Isotopic analysis is commonly used in fields such as geology, ecology, archaeology, and forensics to investigate a wide range of questions, from reconstructing past climates and environments to tracing the movement of pollutants in the environment. By comparing isotopic ratios in different samples and understanding how these ratios change over time, researchers can uncover important information about the Earth's past and present processes.