Evidence of past environmental conditions during the evolution of a calcretised Wadi System in Southern Jordan using stable isotopes

► Stable isotope compositions of non-pedogenic calcretised wadi deposits studied. ► Effects of hydrology, topography, vegetation, diagenesis, time, and climate assessed. ► δ18O and cement type show how calcrete form is affected by position in channels. ► Negative δ18O calcrete values suggest formation under low evaporative conditions. ► Similar distribution of modern C3 & C4 plants and the δ13C signatures of calcretes.