Carbon Isotope delta-13C Biological Fractionation Flag Checker
Actual δ13Ccontrast with independent matched abiotic reference; sign and conditional threshold retained. Abiotic fractionation, contamination and mixing remain possible; not prove biological carbon.
Description
Carbon-isotope separation compares a sample delta with a specified abiotic reference.
Carbon-isotope separation compares a sample delta with a specified abiotic reference.1
A threshold flag alone does not prove biological fractionation. Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements.
When to use Carbon Isotope delta-13C Biological Fractionation Flag Checker
Use this tool to calculate the stated observation or conditional model from supplied measurements. Establish the observation or experimental context, reference/calibration source, unit basis and adopted model assumptions.
How to use Carbon Isotope delta-13C Biological Fractionation Flag Checker and understand its results
- Establish the observation or experimental context, reference/calibration source, unit basis and adopted model assumptions.
- Enter independentlyMeasuredDelta13CPerMil, callerVerifiedAbioticReferenceDelta13CPerMil, callerRequiredAbsoluteSeparationPerMil, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read result.signedReferenceDifferencePerMil, result.meetsCallerAbsoluteSeparation. Interpret each field using the units, signs and evidence rules below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying a successful result, check the stated reference scope, units, assumptions and any retained unknown evidence.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| independentlyMeasuredDelta13CPerMil | Independently measured delta13 c per mil | number | Required |
| callerVerifiedAbioticReferenceDelta13CPerMil | Caller verified abiotic reference delta13 c per mil | number | Required |
| callerRequiredAbsoluteSeparationPerMil | Caller required absolute separation per mil | number | Required |
Require finite measured and reference isotope deltas in per mil and positive absolute separation threshold. Return measured−reference and flag abs(difference)≥threshold inclusively. No reference selection, uncertainty calculation or biological interpretation is inferred.
differencePerMil=measuredDelta13C−abioticReferenceDelta13C; meets=(abs(difference)≥threshold) Apply the field units and exact ordering, boundary and evidence rules above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| result | Structured result containing the calculation or selected reference fields below | object |
| result.signedReferenceDifferencePerMil | Signed Reference Difference Per Mil; use the units, sign convention and calculation stated above | number |
| result.meetsCallerAbsoluteSeparation | Meets Caller Absolute Separation; use the units, sign convention and calculation stated above | boolean |
{
"input": {
"independentlyMeasuredDelta13CPerMil": -30,
"callerVerifiedAbioticReferenceDelta13CPerMil": -10,
"callerRequiredAbsoluteSeparationPerMil": 15
},
"output": {
"result": {
"signedReferenceDifferencePerMil": -20,
"meetsCallerAbsoluteSeparation": true
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
A threshold flag alone does not prove biological fractionation. Results depend on the independently established measurement basis and the exact model assumptions above.
Every listed input requires an explicit value. Unexpected fields, incorrect value types, nonfinite numbers and sparse numeric arrays fail validation; tool-specific bounds and alignment rules apply as described above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful calculation that reports a false comparison or retains unknown evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Sulfur Isotope Mass-Independent Fractionation Anomaly Detector to examine a related aspect: Sulfur mass-independent fractionation compares a measured isotope delta with an adopted mass-dependent relation.
Use Exoplanet Biosphere Detection Claim Confidence Composite Scorer where its separate inputs and scope apply: A biosphere claim requires observations, systematics review and examination of abiotic alternatives.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Sulfur Isotope Mass-Independent Fractionation Anomaly Detector
Sulfur mass-independent fractionation compares a measured isotope delta with an adopted mass-dependent relation.
- Exoplanet Biosphere Detection Claim Confidence Composite Scorer
A biosphere claim requires observations, systematics review and examination of abiotic alternatives.