Stable isotopes in biological and chemical fossils from lake sediments: developing and calibrating palaeoenvironmental proxies

Stable isotope records of H, C, N, O, and Si derived from lake sediments provide valuable information about changing environmental conditions, with diverse applications in Quaternary research. A key issue with the interpretation of stable isotope data is understanding the hydrological, ecological, metabolic, and taphonomic processes that affect stable isotope values measured on individual taxa and specific compounds. In order to provide a better overview of these processes, we brought together specialists in stable isotope biogeochemistry working on lake sediment records during a workshop in Southampton in July 2016. Articles in this special issue provide an overview of the data presented during the workshop as well as the outcome of group discussions. The aim of this special issue is to improve the accuracy, robustness and reliability of interpretations of palaeolimnological stable isotope records, hence there is a focus on modern monitoring, calibration, and experimental studies to understand spatial and temporal variability and taphonomic processes. Studies that provide detailed comparisons with other proxies to constrain the interpretations of stable isotope data are also included.