New isotopes in water sciences

Since the early 60's, isotopes have been introduced as valuable tools for the understanding of the global water cycle, They allow to trace back surface water and groundwater flow as well as the different mechanisms of water-rock-gas interactions. Human impact on water quality is steadily increasing and, here again, isotopes can give precious hints, The present paper sketches briefly the history of isotope techniques in the field of water sciences and gives an overview of emerging tools and their potential. (authors)