Tracking the weathering of basalts on Mars using lithium isotope fractionation models.

ABSTRACT: Lithium (Li), the lightest of the alkali elements, has geochemical properties that include high aqueous solubility (Li is the most fluid mobile element) and high relative abundance in basalt-forming minerals (values ranking between 0.2 and 12 ppm). Li isotopes are particularly subject to fractionation because the two stable isotopes of lithium-⁷Li and ⁶Li-have a large relative mass difference (∼15%) that results in significant fractionation between water and solid phases. The extent of Li isotope fractionation during aqueous alteration of basalt depends on the dissolution rate of primary minerals-the source of Li-and on the precipitation kinetics, leading to formation of secondary phases. Consequently, a detailed analysis of Li isotopic ratios in both solution and sec

SUBMITTER: Fairen AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5008203 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature