Tyler B. Coplen, Ph.D.
Dr. Tyler Coplen is the Director of the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory of the USGS Water Resources Mission Area.
Tyler B. Coplen is an ST scientist in geochemistry. His research focuses on isotope hydrology, development of innovative analytical techniques for isotopic analysis of light elements, provides forensic-quality analytical services to USGS programs, and creates isotopic reference materials for calibration of mass spectrometers and laser absorption spectrometers in isotope laboratories worldwide. In 1974, he joined the U.S. Geological Survey, and in 1978, he set up the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory, please visit the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory website. He set up and led the Subcommittee on Natural Isotopic Fractionation (1985–2002) of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) that resulted in a dozen elements being assigned standard atomic-weight values that are intervals, instead of single values, to indicate that atomic-weight values of many elements are not constants of nature.
Professional Experience
Assistant Research Geochemist, University of California, Riverside 1970–1974
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 1970, University of Chicago, Department of Geophysical Sciences, Advisor: Prof. Robert N. Clayton
M.S. 1968, University of Chicago, Department of Geophysical Sciences
B.S. 1966, Pacific Lutheran University, Major: Physics
Affiliations and Memberships*
Honorary Member, Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Science and Products
Determination of the delta(18O/16O)of Water: RSIL Lab Code 489
Extreme changes in stable hydrogen isotopes and precipitation characteristics in a landfalling Pacific storm
Determination of the δ15N of nitrate in water; RSIL lab code 2899
Determination of the δ15N and δ18O of nitrate in water; RSIL lab code 2900
Determination of the δ15N of nitrate in solids; RSIL lab code 2894
Determination of the δ15N and δ18O of nitrate in solids; RSIL lab code 2897
Calibration of the calcite-water oxygen-isotope geothermometer at Devils Hole, Nevada, a natural laboratory
Determination of the δ34S of sulfate in water; RSIL lab code 1951
Determination of the δ34S of low-concentration sulfate in water; RSIL lab code 1949
Methods of the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL)
Determination of the δ34S of Total Sulfur in Solids: RSIL Lab Code 1800
Devils Hole, Nevada, δ18O record extended to the mid-Holocene
Science and Products
Determination of the delta(18O/16O)of Water: RSIL Lab Code 489
Extreme changes in stable hydrogen isotopes and precipitation characteristics in a landfalling Pacific storm
Determination of the δ15N of nitrate in water; RSIL lab code 2899
Determination of the δ15N and δ18O of nitrate in water; RSIL lab code 2900
Determination of the δ15N of nitrate in solids; RSIL lab code 2894
Determination of the δ15N and δ18O of nitrate in solids; RSIL lab code 2897
Calibration of the calcite-water oxygen-isotope geothermometer at Devils Hole, Nevada, a natural laboratory
Determination of the δ34S of sulfate in water; RSIL lab code 1951
Determination of the δ34S of low-concentration sulfate in water; RSIL lab code 1949
Methods of the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL)
Determination of the δ34S of Total Sulfur in Solids: RSIL Lab Code 1800
Devils Hole, Nevada, δ18O record extended to the mid-Holocene
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government