Isotopic composition of waters from the Danakil depression (Ethiopia)

During two expeditions in the Danakil depression (Ethiopia), water samples were collected from: (a) hot springs in Dallol, Salt Plain, in the north of the depression; (b) cold and hot springs around Lake Giulietti; and c) Lake Giulietti.The isotopic results indicate: the water from Dallol hot springs is enriched in¹⁸O by isotopic exchange with the rocks as has been observed in many other geothermal areas of the world; b) the isotopic composition of the Lake Giulietti water changes with depth, probably as a consequence of a seasonal stratification; c) the springs in the Lake Giulietti region contain waters which result from the mixing of local meteoric water with a brine, or with lake waters.