 The study found that the upper layers of soil in the Scottish Highlands are highly dynamic, with isotopic signatures changing rapidly over short distances and time scales. These changes are driven by the vegetation present, with Scots pine having a greater effect than heather. Additionally, the study showed that the upper layer of soil has a significant impact on the amount of water lost through evaporation, with the rate of loss varying from 5 to 10 percent of incoming water depending on the type of vegetation. This article was authored by M. Springer, D. Tetzlaff, and C. Solzby.