On the utility of quantitative modeling to the interpretation of Ca isotopes

Though the utility of calcium isotopes is broad, examples of applications are still relatively sparse. Some of this paucity, as with many metal isotope systems, may derive from a perception that the analytical tool is difficult to access. Alternatively, potential users may be deterred by a sense that calcium isotopes are ambiguous, difficult to interpret, and/or complicated by too many interrelated processes. Here we provide an overview of the quantitative modeling approaches available to facilitate interpretation of calcium isotopes in Earth systems, in particular their ability to push interpretations beyond the qualitative. While no method is perfect, the variety of approaches described here offer an accessible toolset that is incredibly valuable. We suggest that the calcium isotope community should be expanding the use of such techniques, noting their limitations and striving to improve upon current methods over time.