For the first time the fundamentals of theoretical and experimental physiology are juxtaposed with the current state of understanding of the natural variability of isotopes in tree rings and the application of tree-ring isotopes to climate studies. The accelerating pace at which the application of tree-ring isotopes to environmental problems is taking place demands the in-depth and up to date treatment provided here. This is a book with chapters on cutting-edge methodologies in tree-ring isotope research, and research into isotopic records at fine (sub-annual/seasonal) and coarse (annual) resolutions. This comprehensive volume will start from the basic principles and extend into state of the art practical applications in various fields such as climatology, pollution, etc.