Stable isotopic compositions of Recent freshwater cyanobacterial carbonates from the British Isles: local and regional environmental controls

Recent (<50 years old) freshwater cyanobacterial carbonates from diverse environments (streams, lakes, waterfalls) throughout Britain and Ireland were analysed for their stable carbon and oxygen isotope compositions. The mean δ¹⁸O value of ?5–9‰ PDB for river and stream data represents calcite precipitation in equilibrium with the mean oxygen isotopic composition of precipitation in central Britain (?7–5‰SMOW) assuming a mean water temperature of 9°C. The mean δ¹⁸O of lake data, ?4–5‰ PDB, is statistically different, reflecting the effects of residence time and/or variations in the oxygen isotopic composition of rainfall. Carbon isotopes have wide variations in both fluviatile and lake data sets (+ 3 to ?12‰ PDB). These variations are principally controlled in the fluviatile samples by contribution of isotopically light ‘soil zone’ carbon relative to isotopically heavier carbon from limestone aquifer rock dissolution. Lake samples have the heaviest carbon isotope values, reflecting a trend toward isotopic equilibrium between atmospheric CO₂ and aqueous HCO^?₃. We infer that isotopic compositions of ancient cyanobacterial carbonates should also record environmental information, although the effects of stabilization and diagenesis on primary δ¹⁸O values will need careful consideration. Primary carbon isotope compositions should be well preserved, although in marine samples values will be buffered by the isotopic composition of aqueous marine bicarbonate.     

Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotopes of Waters in the Ordos Basin,China: Implications for Recharge of Groundwater in the North of Cretaceous Groundwater Basin

Hundreds of precipitation samples collected from meteorological stations in the Ordos Basin from January 1988 to December 2005 were used to set up a local meteoric water line and to calculate weighted average isotopic compositions of modern precipitation. Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes, with averages of ?7.8‰ and ?53.0‰ for δ18O and δD, respectively, are depleted in winter and rich in spring, and gradually decrease in summer and fall, illustrating that the seasonal effect is considerable. They also show that the isotopic difference between south portion and north portion of the Ordos Basin are not obvious, and the isotope in the middle portion is normally depleted. The isotope compositions of 32 samples collected from shallow groundwater (less than a depth of 150 m) in desert plateau range from ?10.6‰ to ?6.0‰ with an average of ?8.4‰ for δ18O and from ?85‰ to ?46‰ with an average of ?63‰ for δD. Most of them are identical with modern precipitation. The isotope compositions of 22 middle and deep groundwaters (greater than a depth of 275 m) fall in ranges from ?11.6‰ to ?8.8‰ with an average of ?10.2‰ for δ18O and from ?89‰ to ?63‰ with an average of ?76‰ for δD. The average values are significantly less than those of modern precipitation, illustrating that the middle and deep groundwaters were recharged at comparatively lower air temperatures. Primary analysis of 14C shows that the recharge of the middle and deep groundwaters started at late Pleistocene. The isotopes of 13 lake water samples collected from eight lakes define a local evaporation trend, with a relatively flat slope of 3.77, and show that the lake waters were mainly fed by modern precipitation and shallow groundwater.     

Different isotopic evolutionary trends of δ34S and δ18O compositions of dissolved sulfate in an anaerobic deltaic aquifer system

Concentration and isotope ratios (δ³⁴S_SO4 and δ¹⁸O_SO4) of dissolved sulfate of groundwater were analyzed in a very large anaerobic aquifer system under the Lower Central Plain (LCP) (25,000 km²) in Thailand. Groundwater samples were collected in two different kinds of aquifers; type 1 with a saline water contribution and type 2 lateritic aquifers with no saline water contribution. Two different isotopic compositional trends were observed: in type 1 aquifers sulfate isotope ratios range from low values (+2.2‰ for δ³⁴S_SO4 and +8.0‰ for δ¹⁸O_SO4) to high values (+49.9‰ for δ³⁴S_SO4 and +17.9‰ for δ¹⁸O_SO4); in type 2 aquifers sulfate isotope ratios range from low values (−0.1‰ for δ³⁴S_SO4 and +12.2‰ for δ¹⁸O_SO4) to high δ¹⁸O_SO4 ratios (+18.4‰) but with low δ³⁴S_SO4 ratios (<+12.9‰). Isotopic comparison with possible source materials and theoretical geochemical models suggests that the sulfate isotope variation for type 1 aquifer groundwater can be explained by two main processes. One is the contribution of remnant seawater, which has experienced dissimilatory sulfate reduction in the marine clay, into recharge water of freshwater origin. This process accounts for the high salinity groundwater. The other process, explaining for the modest salinity groundwater, is the bacterial sulfate reduction of the mixture water between high salinity water and fresh groundwater. Isotopic variation of type 2 aquifer groundwater may also be explained by bacterial sulfate reduction, with slower reduction rate than that of the groundwater with saline water effect. The origin of groundwater sulfate with low δ³⁴S_SO4 but high δ¹⁸O_SO4 is recognized as an important topic to be examined in a future investigation.     

Discovery of an abnormally high-δ34S barite deposit and a new understanding of global sulfur isotope variation during geological history

The evolution of the global sulfur isotope curve was plotted based on the δ34S values of evaporates resultant from oceanic evaporation. In the long period of geological history the δ34S values showed obvious peaks for three times during the process of ancient oceans’ sulfur isotope evolution, namely the Early Cambrian (+30‰), the Late Devonian (+25‰) and the Permian-Triassic transition interval (+17‰), but the causes of the abnormal rise of sulfur isotopic values during the geological period are still in question. In this paper, 18 samples collected from a large Devonian barite deposit from Zhenning County were analyzed to determine their δ34S values, revealing that the 18 samples have very high δ34S values (δ34S=41.88‰-+68.39‰), with an average close to 56.30‰, which are higher than the isotopic values of contemporary sulfates (+17‰- +25‰). A comparative analysis was conducted of the emerging of high δ34S barite deposits (from Cambrian and Devonian) and the δ34S variation curves of the ancient oceans. The results indicate that the time when the obvious peaks of δ34S values appeared and the time of massive sedimentation of high δ34S barite deposits are very close to each other, which, in our opinion, is not a coincidence. There may exist some correlations between the sulfur isotope evolution of ancient oceans during the diverse periods of geological history and the massive sedimentation of high δ34S barite deposits. Therefore, it is inferred that perhaps it was the massive sedimentation of high δ34S barites that caused the sharp rise of δ34S values in a short period of time.     

The sulfur isotopic composition of sulfides from ores and host rocks of the Upper Kolyma region,Magadan Oblast

More than 200 analyses of the sulfur isotopic composition of sulfides from various terrigenous and intrusive host rocks, metasomatically altered wall rocks, and gold lodes of the Upper Kolyma region are presented. In accessory pyrite of the metaterrigenous rocks, δ³⁴S varies from ?23.1 to +5.7‰ δ³⁴S of pyrite and arsenopyrite from gold-quartz mineralization is within the range ?10.6 to ?0.4‰ and is close to the average δ³⁴S of pyrite from the metaterrigenous rocks (?4.4‰). In the intrusive rocks, δ³⁴S of pyrite varies from ?3.8 to +2.6‰ (+0.7‰, on average) and drastically differs from δ³⁴S of arsenopyrite from postmagmatic gold-rare-metal mineralization (?7.9 to ?2.7‰; ?5.2‰, on average). The comparison of the δ³⁴S of accessory sulfides from the host rocks with δ³⁴S of sulfides from the gold deposits suggests that sulfur mobilized from the terrigenous sequences participated in the hydrothermal process. The results obtained are consistent with the metamorphic model of the formation of gold-quartz deposits in the Upper Kolyma region.     

Iron Isotope Compositions of Natural River and Lake Samples in the Karst Area, Guizhou Province, Southwest China

To better understand the Fe isotope characteristics of natural samples in the Karst area, the Fe isotope compositions of riverine suspended particulates, lake suspended particulates, lake sediments, porewaters, phytoplanktons, and aerosols in the watersheds of Lake Aha (a mineralized water system) and Lake Hongfeng (a mesotrophic water system), which are located in the Karst area, southwest China, were investigated. The studied samples displayed a variable range between δ56Fe=?2.03‰ and 0.36‰. Aerosols and phytoplanktons have similar or slightly heavier Fe isotope compositions relative to the average of igneous rocks. Fe isotope compositions of riverine Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) were mainly affected by the types of tributaries. Suspended particulates collected from tributaries seriously contaminated with coal mine drainages displayed negative δ56Fe values (?0.89‰ to ?0.31‰) during summer, and there were significant increases of δ56Fe values in winter, except AR2, which was polluted with both coal mine drainage and sewage effluent. Characteristics of lakes have important influences on Fe isotope compositions of suspended particulates, lake sediments, and porewaters. The epilimnetic particulate Fe of Lake Hongfeng had δ56Fe=?0.04‰ to 0.13‰, while lighter Fe isotope compositions were measured for particulate Fe from Lake Aha, ranging from ?0.42‰ to ?0.09‰. Sediments collected from Hou Wu (HW) station of Lake Hongfeng have an average δ56Fe value of 0.09‰ and their corresponding porewaters have lighter Fe isotope compositions, ranging from ?0.57‰ to ?0.31‰; no significant variations have been observed. For the Liang Jiang Kou (LJK) station of Lake Aha, the content of reactive Fe and the concentration of sulfate were all high. Due to the reactive Fe recycling, including dissimilatory Fe reduction, adsorption, and Fe–sulfide formation, porewaters sampled near the sediment surface have been found to have a δ56Fe value as low as ?2.03‰ and an increase up to 0.12‰, with a burial depth of 10?cm. In contrast, an opposite variation trend was found for LJK sediments. Sediments sampled at 1-cm depth had a value of δ56Fe=?0.59‰ and decrease as low as ?1.75‰ with burial depth. This investigation demonstrated that significant Fe isotope fractionations occur in surface environments. Fe isotope compositions of particulate Fe were seriously affected by Fe sources, and Fe biogeochemical recycling has an important influence on Fe isotope fractionations in lake sediments, especially when there are significant amounts of reactive Fe and sulfate.     

The δ18O of UST Quartz in Two Porphyry Deposits,China

The unidirectional solidification textures (UST) quartz is generally thought to form from fluids exsolved from shallow intrusions and/or magma chambers, but such an idea is still poorly constrained from the evidence of stable isotopes. In this study, we report for the first time the δ¹⁸O of quartz that shows UST from the Qulong Cu–Mo and the Yechangping Mo porphyry deposits in China. The analysis results show that the UST quartz samples from the Qulong deposit have δ¹⁸O values ranging from +6.2 ‰ to +7.6 ‰, which are similar to that of quartz phenocrysts (+6.7 ‰ to +7.8 ‰). In contrast, the UST quartz samples from the Yechangping porphyry Mo deposit yield a high δ¹⁸O value (+10.0 ‰). The δ¹⁸O_water value of Yechangping UST quartz (+8.5 ‰) is also higher than that of Qulong (+4.6 ‰ to +5.8 ‰). Hydrothermal biotite from potassic alteration and sericite from early phyllic alteration at Qulong have similar δ¹⁸O values to UST quartz, suggesting the involvement of magmatic fluids during this stage of deposit evolution.     

Investigation on the hydrodynamics of Ganga Alluvial Plain using environmental isotopes: a case study of the Gomati River Basin, northern India

An investigation using environmental isotopes (δ¹⁸O and δD) was conducted to gain insight into the hydrological processes of the Ganga Alluvial Plain, northern India. River-water, shallow-groundwater and lake-water samples from the Gomati River Basin were analyzed. During the winter season, the δ¹⁸O and δD compositions of the Gomati River water ranged from ?1.67 to ?7.62 ‰ and ?25.08 to ?61.50 ‰, respectively. Deuterium excess values in the river water (+0.3 to ?13 ‰) and the lake water (?20 ‰) indicate the significance of evaporation processes. Monthly variation of δ¹⁸O and δD values of the Gomati River water and the shallow groundwater follows a similar trend, with isotope-depleted peaks for δ¹⁸O and δD synchronized during the monsoon season. The isotopically depleted peak values of the river water (δ¹⁸O?=??8.30 ‰ and δD?=??57.10 ‰) can be used as a proxy record for the isotopic signature of the monsoon precipitation in the Ganga Alluvial Plain.     

Indicator Isotope–Geochemical Characteristics of Sulfides from the Satka Magnesite Ore Field (South Urals Province)

The stable enrichment of pyrite from magnesite ores in δ³⁴S isotope (from 5.4 to 6.9‰) compared with pyrite from the host (sedimentary and igneous) rocks was established in the classical Satka sparry magnesite ore field. Concretionary segregations of fine-grained pyrite in dolomite are depleted in the heavy sulfur isotope (δ³⁴S, from–9.1 to–5.8‰). Pyrite from dolerite is characterized by δ³⁴S values (–1.1 and 1.7‰) close to the meteorite sulfur. The δ³⁴S values in barite from the underlying dolomite horizon vary in the range of 32.3–41.4‰. The high degree of homogeneity of the sulfur isotope composition in pyrite from magnesite is a result of thermochemical sulfate reduction during the syngenetic crystallization of pyrite and magnesite from epigenetic brines, formed during dissolution of evaporite sulfate minerals at the stage of early catagenesis of the Riphean deposits.

     

Sulphur source and genesis of polymetallic sulphide occurrences of the Ofoten district in the Central–North Norwegian Caledonides: evidence from sulphur isotopic studies

Fourteen stratiform, stratabound and vein-type sulphide occurrences in the Upper Allochthon of the Central–North Norwegian Caledonides have been studied for their sulphur, oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition. Depositional ages of host rocks to the stratabound and stratiform sulphide occurrences range from 590 to 640?Ma. The sulphides and their host rocks have been affected by polyphase deformation and metamorphism with a peak temperature of 650?°C dated to 432?Ma. A total of 104 sulphide and 2 barite samples were analysed for δ³⁴S, 16 whole-rock and quartz samples for δ¹⁸O and 12 samples of muscovite for δD. The overall δ³⁴S values range from ?14 to +31‰ with the majority of sampled sulphides lying within a range of +4 to +15‰. In most cases δ³⁴S within each hand specimen behaves in accordance with the equilibrium fractionation sequence, δ³⁴S_gn<δ³⁴S_cp<δ³⁴S_sph<δ³⁴S_py. A systematic increase in δ³⁴S from the vein sulphides (?8‰) through schist/amphibolite-hosted (+6‰) and schist-hosted (+7 to +12‰) to dolomite-hosted (+12 to +31‰) occurrences is documented. The δ³⁴S averages of the stratiform schist-hosted sulphides are 17 to 22‰ lower than in the penecontemporaneous seawater sulphate. The Bjørkåsen (+4 to +6‰) occurrence is a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) transitional to sedimentary massive sulphide (SMS), exhalative, massive, pyritic deposit of Cu–Zn–Pb sulphides formed by fluids which obtained H₂S via high-temperature reduction of seawater sulphate by oxidation of Fe²⁺ during the convective circulation of seawater through underlying rock sequences. The Raudvatn, volcanic-hosted, disseminated Cu sulphides (+6 to +8‰) obtained sulphur via a similar process. The Balsnes, stratiform, ‘black schist’-hosted, pyrite–pyrrhotite occurrence (?6 to ?14‰) is represented by typical diagenetic sulphides precipitated via bacteriogenic reduction of coeval (ca. 600?Ma) seawater sulphate (+25 to +35‰) in a system open to sulphate supply. The δ³⁴S values of the Djupvik–Skårnesdalen (+7 to +12‰), Hammerfjell (+5 to 11‰), Kaldådalen (+10 to +12‰) and Njallavarre (+7 to +8‰) stratiform, schist-hosted, massive and disseminated Zn–Pb (±Cu) sulphide occurrences, as well as the stratabound, quartzite-hosted, Au-bearing arsenopyrite occurrence at Langvatnet (+7 to +11‰), suggest that thermochemically reduced connate seawater sulphate was a principal sulphur source. The Sinklien and Tårstad, stratabound, dolomite- and dolomite collapse breccia-hosted, Zn (±Cu–Pb) sulphides are marked by the highest enrichment in ³⁴S (+20 to +31‰). The occurrences ?are?assigned to the Mississippi-Valley-type deposits.?High δ³⁴S values require reduction/replacement of contemporaneous (ca. 590?Ma) evaporitic sulphate (+23 to +34‰) with C_org-rich fluids in a closed system. The Melkedalen (+12 to +15‰), stratabound, fault-controlled, Cu–Zn sulphide deposit is hosted by the ca. 595?Ma dolomitised Melkedalen marble. The deposit is composed of several generations of ore minerals which formed by replacement of host dolomite. Polyphase hydrothermal fluids were introduced during several reactivation episodes of the fault zone. The positive δ³⁴S values with a very limited fractionation (<3‰) are indicative of the sulphide-sulphur generated through abiological, thermochemical reduction of seawater sulphate by organic material. The vein-type Cu (±Au–W) occurrences at Baugefjell, Bugtedalen and Baugevatn (?8 to ?4‰) are of hydrothermal origin and obtained their sulphur from igneous sources with a possible incorporation of sedimentary/diagenetic sulphides. In a broad sense, all the stratiform/stratabound, sediment-hosted, sulphide occurrences studied formed by epigenetic fluids within two probable scenarios which may be applicable separately or interactively: (1) expulsion of hot metal-bearing connate waters from deeper parts of sedimentary basins prior to nappe translation (late diagenetic/catagenetic/epigenetic fluids) or (2) tectonically driven expulsion in the course of nappe translation (early metamorphic fluids). A combination of (1) and (2) is favoured for the stratabound, fault-controlled, Melkedalen and Langvatnet occurrences, whereas the rest are considered to have formed within option (1). The sulphides and their host rocks were transported from unknown distances and thrust on to the Fennoscandian Shield during the course of the Caledonian orogeny. The displaced/allochthonous nature of the Ofoten Cu–Pb–Zn ‘metallogenetic province’ would explain the enigmatically high concentration of small-scale Cu–Pb–Zn deposits that occur only in this particular area of the Norwegian Caledonides.     

Hydrogeochemistry and possible sulfate sources in karst groundwater in Chongqing, China

Groundwater from karst subterranean streams is among the world’s most important sources of drinking water supplies, and the hydrochemical characteristics of karst water are affected by both natural environment and people. Therefore, the study of karst groundwater hydrochemistry and its solutes’ sources is very important to ensure the normal function of life support systems. This paper focused on the major ion chemistry and sulfate isotope of karst groundwater in Chongqing for tracing the sulfate sources and related hydrochemical processes. Hydrochemical types of karst groundwater in Chongqing were mainly of the Ca-HCO₃ type or Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ type. However, some hydrochemical types were the K + Na + Ca-SO₄ type (G25 site) or Ca-HCO₃ + SO₄ type (G26 and G14 sites), indicating that the hydrochemistry of these sites may be strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities or unique geological characteristics. The δ³⁴S-SO₄ ^2? of collected karst groundwater sample fell into a range of ?6.8 to 21.5 ‰, with a mean value of 5.6 ‰. In dolomite aquifer, the δ³⁴S-SO₄ ^2? value ranges from ?4.3 to 11.0 ‰, and in limestone aquifer, it ranged from ?6.8 to 21.5 ‰. The groundwater samples from different land use types showed distinctive δ³⁴S-SO₄ ^2? value. The δ³⁴S-SO₄ ^2? value of groundwater samples had range of ?6.8 to 16.7 ‰ (mean 4.0 ‰, n = 11) in cultivated land areas, 1.5–21.5 ‰ (mean 7.2 ‰, n = 20) in forested land areas, and ?4.3 to 0.8 ‰ (mean ?1.7 ‰, n = 2) in coalmine areas. The δ³⁴S-SO₄ ^2? values of groundwater samples collected from factory area and town area were 2.2 and 9.9 ‰, respectively. According to the δ³⁴S information of potential sulfate sources, this paper discussed the possible sulfate sources of collected karst groundwater samples in Chongqing. The variations of both δ³⁴S and 1/SO₄ ^2? values of the groundwater samples indicated that the atmospheric acid deposition (AAD), dissolution of gypsum (GD), oxidation of sulfide mineral (OS) or anthropogenic inputs (SF: sewage or fertilizer) contributed to sulfate in karst groundwater. The influence of oxidation of sulfide mineral, atmospheric acid deposit and anthropogenic inputs to groundwater in Chongqing karst areas was much widespread. For protecting, sustaining, and utilizing the groundwater resources, the sewage possibly originating from urban, mine or industrial area must be controlled and treated, and the use of fertilizer should be limited.     

Boron isotope geochemistry of Bangor Co Salt Lake (central Tibet): implications for boron origin and uneven mixing of lake water

Boron is an essential, widely used, micronutrient element and is abundant in salt lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The origin and distribution of boron brine deposits on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an important foundation for B resource formation, evolution, and enrichment, which have long been the subject of debate. The boron isotope system is a sensitive geochemical tracer, making it useful for effectively and precisely tracking a wide range of geological processes and sources. This study investigates the major cations, [B], and δ¹¹B values of samples (lake brine, river waters, and cold spring water) from the Bangor Co Lake which is a typical salt lake rich in boron in Tibet, China. There are magnitude-scale differences in [B] among different sample types: river samples < cold spring water < < brine lakes. [B] values vary from 0.73 to ~ 1113 mg/L. Similar to [B], the δ¹¹B values of the samples exhibit magnitude-scale variations as [B], ranging from − 7.35‰ to + 7.66‰. There are also magnitude-scale differences in δ¹¹B among different sample types. The δ¹¹B values of cold spring water are relatively low, and the values range from − 1.26‰ to -7.75‰. However, the river water samples and saline lakes have higher values, from 0.38‰ to 4.62‰, and the δ¹¹B values of river water samples are basically in the distribution range of those of Bangor Co Lake. This indicates that the sources of boron in Bangor Co Lake are mainly the recharge water with higher δ¹¹B values and spring water with lower δ¹¹B values, and the boron sources and the uneven mixing of lake water are two reasons that account for the large change in the δ¹¹B value of Bangor Co Lake.

     

Boron and lithium isotopes as groundwater tracers: a study at the Fresh Kills Landfill,Staten Island,New York,USA

A study was conducted at the Fresh Kills landfill, Staten Island, New York to investigate the use of B and Li isotopes as tracers of mixing and flow in the groundwater environment. Four end-member waters are present at the Fresh Kills: freshwater, seawater, a geochemically distinct transitional groundwater (that occurs in the zone of mixing between seawater and freshwater) and landfill leachate. The δ¹¹B and δ⁶Li values of end-member waters are distinct and have isotopic compositions that reflect the solute sources: freshwater δ¹¹B∼+30‰, δ⁶Li∼−22‰; transition zone groundwaters δ¹¹B∼+20‰, δ⁶Li∼−27‰; seawater δ¹¹B+40 to +75‰, δ⁶Li−37 to−44‰; leachate δ¹¹B∼+10‰ (δ⁶Li not determined). Those wells influenced by seawater exhibited a clear chemical mixing trend, with seawater contributions ranging from 3 to 85%. Well waters with a high percentage of seawater (>30%) had δ¹¹B values that were within 1‰ of the seawater value (+40‰), whereas a trend of increasing δ¹¹B values (+55 to +75‰) was observed for wells with a lower percentage of seawater (<30%). δ⁶Li values for well waters impacted by mixing with seawater ranged from−37 to−44‰, significantly more negative than pure seawater (−31‰). This deviation from the isotopic composition of seawater, for both δ¹¹B and δ⁶Li values, represents non-conservative behavior and is likely the result of isotopic fractionation during ion exchange reactions. The wide range of δ¹¹B and δ⁶Li values and the distinct isotopic compositions of end-member waters makes B and Li isotopes useful for recognizing solute sources, however isotopic fractionation may limit their use as simple tracers of groundwater flow and mixing.     

Oxygen isotope composition of syngenetic inclusions in diamond from the Finsch Mine,RSA

Oxygen isotope data have been obtained for silicate inclusions in diamonds, and similar associated minerals in peridotitic and eclogitic xenoliths from the Finsch kimberlite by laser-fluorination. Oxygen isotope analyses of syngenetic inclusions weighing 20–400 μg have been obtained by laser heating in the presence of ClF₃. ¹⁸O/¹⁶O ratios are determined on oxygen converted to CO₂ over hot graphite and, for samples weighing less than 750 μg (producing <12 μmoles O₂) enhanced CO production in the graphite reactor causes a systematic shift in both δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O that varies as a function of sample weight. A “pressure effect” correction procedure, based on the magnitude of δ¹³C (CO₂) depletion relative to δ¹³C (graphite), is used to obtain corrected δ¹⁸O values for inclusions with an accuracy estimated to be ±0.3‰ for samples weighing 40 μg.Syngenetic inclusions in host diamonds with similar δ¹³C values (−8.4‰ to −2.7‰) have oxygen isotope compositions that vary significantly, with a clear distinction between inclusions of peridotitic (+4.6‰ to +5.6‰) and eclogitic paragenesis (+5.7‰ to +8.0‰). The mean δ¹⁸O composition of olivine inclusions is indistinguishable from that of typical peridotitic mantle (5.25 ± 0.22‰) whereas syngenetic purple garnet inclusions possess relatively low δ¹⁸O values (5.00 ± 0.33‰). Reversed oxygen isotope fractionation between olivine and garnet in both diamond inclusions and diamondiferous peridotite xenoliths suggests that garnet preserves subtle isotopic disequilibrium related to genesis of Cr-rich garnet and/or exchange with the diamond-forming fluid. Garnet in eclogite xenoliths in kimberlite show a range of δ¹⁸O values from +2.3‰ to +7.3‰ but garnets in diamondiferous eclogites and as inclusions in diamond all have values >4.7‰.     

Hydrothermal uranium deposits and sulfur isotopes

Research on sulfur isotopes in hydrothermal uranium deposits with acid alterations shed much light on the genetic aspects of hydrothermal uranium deposits. Based on the studies of uranium deposits of different genesis, it is concluded that σ³⁴S of Sulfides in hydrothermal uranium deposits derived from residual magma is within the range of +2‰ ?2.6‰, approximately the same as meteorite sulfur. δ³⁴S of Sulfides in polygenetic hydrothermal uranium deposits is slightly lighter than meteorite sulfur and varies over a restricted range (6.7‰), averaging ?10.15‰. Two intervals can be recognized with respect to sulfur isotopic compositions in palingenetic hydrothermal uranium deposits. δ³⁴S of sulfides formed in diagenesis, autometamorphism and hypothermal stages is similar to meteorite sulfur. On the other hand, at the stage starting from the alteration of uranium mineralization to the formation o uranium deposits and postmineralization the average δ³⁴S is -7.89‰, with a wider range of δ³⁴S variation (13.7‰), which can be attributed to the enrichment of δ³⁴S in palingenetic hydrothermal solutions.     

Traces of brine and hydrocarbon migration in carbon,oxygen, and sulfur isotopic compositions of reservoir rocks in the Talakan petroleum field,Southwestern Yakutia

Dolomites from the productive Osa horizon (upper subformation of the Lower Cambrian Bilir Formation) in the Talakan petroleum field show a prominent 1–2‰ decrease in δ¹⁸O (from 23–24 to 21–22‰), which presumably marks a zone of relatively high water/rock ratios. Productive boreholes are characterized by moderate δ³⁴S values (from 25.1 to 30.6‰) and negative correlation between δ³⁴S in anhydrite and δ¹⁸O in associated dolomite, which points to a partial sulfate reduction during catagenesis. In nonproductive borehole, δ³⁴S values increase significantly (from 31.4 to 35.6‰) and show positive correlation with δ¹⁸O in dolomite. Rocks recovered by nonproductive borehole possibly recrystallized during early diagenesis, and, correspondingly lost their permeability and capacity to form pores. Limestones and dolomites of the Osa horizon have a carbon isotopic composition within the range of normal marine carbonates (δ¹³C = 0 ± 1 ‰), which does not indicate a significant role of organic matter in postsedimentary recrystallization of carbonate sediments. A positive δ¹³C excursion up to 4.5‰ recorded in the lower subformation of the Bilir Formation presumably occurred at the sedimentation stage under conditions of high rates of bioproductivity and organic matter burial in sediments.     

Characterizing groundwater recharge using oxygen and hydrogen isotopes: a case study in a temperate forested region,South Korea

In the cool temperate region of South Korea, oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of groundwater, lake water, and precipitation were studied to determine the season of groundwater recharge. All the groundwater samples, irrespective of season, on δ¹⁸O–δ²H scale plotted along the summer precipitation, suggesting summer precipitation largely modulates recharge. The deuterium excess values of groundwater (d-excess) show clear seasonal difference, higher in winter (> 18‰) and lower in summer (< 10‰). And its resemblance to the summer precipitation d-excess value further suggests dominant role of summer precipitation in groundwater recharge. Based on the mass balance equation, with end-member d-excess values of seasonal precipitation and groundwater as input variables, groundwater is composed of 66% summer and 34% winter precipitation. Despite the study area being heavily forested, summer rainfall contribution higher than winter suggests that evapotranspiration effect is minimal in the region; may be due to thin sand–gravel-based porous soil overlying highly weathered granitic rock system.     

Changes to depositional palaeoenvironments within the Qikou depression (Bohaiwan Basin,China): carbon and oxygen isotopes in lacustrine carbonates of the Palaeogene Shahejie Formation

This paper reports the carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of lacustrine carbonate sediments from the Palaeogene Shahejie Formation, Qikou depression, Bohaiwan Basin, with the aim of determining the palaeoenvironmental conditions in the region. Results from Es₂, the second member of the Shahejie Formation, showed values of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O from –1.2‰ to +2.4‰ (average +0.6‰) and from –6.8‰ to –4.7‰ (average –5.7‰), respectively, suggesting a relatively hot climate attending deposition. The slightly closed nature of the lake, which contains brackish water, resulted in higher carbonate δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values than in a meteoric environment. The values of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O preserved within the carbonates of the overlying lower Shahejie I (Es₁) varied between +1.3‰ and +4.9‰ (average +3.2‰) and from ?4.4‰ to ?1.8‰ (average ?3.1‰), respectively, indicating that the climate became colder at that time. Subsequently, a marine transgression caused the salinity of the lake water to increase. The values of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O were controlled by salinity. The high δ¹³C values were also influenced by the rapid burial of the lake organisms and by algal photosynthesis. Values of δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O from carbonates in upper Es₁ ranged from ?8.0‰ to +11.0‰ (average +10.1‰) and from ?5.0‰ to ?1.5‰ (average ?3.4‰), respectively, indicating a slight increase in the temperature over time. In the closed and reducing environment, extremes in δ¹³C values resulted from biochemical fermentation. The positive δ¹³C excursion recorded in the carbonates of the Shahejie Formation in the Qikou depression indicates that the palaeoclimate underwent a significant transformation during the Eocene and the Oligocene.     

Micrometallogeny and hydrothermal fluid evolution of the Iju porphyry Cu deposit,NW Kerman,Iran: Evidence from fluid inclusions,Laser Raman spectroscopy,and SO isotope systematics

The Iju Cu porphyry is located in the NW part of the Kerman Magmatic Copper Belt (KMCB). It is related to a ~ 9 Ma granodiorite porphyry intrusion, with three main stages of hydrothermal activity. The homogenization temperatures for the fluid inclusions are in the ranges of 200–494 °C, and their salinities vary from 4.0 to 42.8 wt% NaCl equiv., which are typical magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The δ³⁴S values of sulfides range from −0.4 to +3.2 ‰ (V-CDT), and the δ³⁴S values of anhydrite samples range from +11.6 to +16.8 ‰. The δ³⁴S values of sulfides show a narrow range, implying a homogeneous sulfur source. The oxygen isotopic composition of hydrothermal water in equilibrium with quartz samples ranges from +3.4 to +6.0 ‰ (V-SMOW) consistent with the hydrothermal fluids having a magmatic signature, but diluted with meteoric waters in the main mineralizing stage. The most important factors responsible for metal precipitation in the Iju porphyry deposit are fluid boiling, oxygen fugacity decrease and cooling followed by dilution with meteoric water. The primary fluids of the Iju Cu deposit are characterized by relatively high temperature and moderate salinity, and are CO₂-rich, indicating a typical post-collisional porphyry system.     

Origin of quartz geodes from Laño and Tubilla del Agua sections (middle–upper Campanian,Basque‐Cantabrian Basin,northern Spain): isotopic differences during diagenetic processes

Quartz geodes and nodular chert have been found within middle–upper Campanian carbonate sediments from the Laño and Tubilla del Agua sections of the Basque‐Cantabrian Basin, northern Spain. The morphology of geodes together with the presence of anhydrite laths included in megaquartz crystals and spherulitic fibrous quartz (quartzine‐lutecite), suggest an origin from previous anhydrite nodules. The anhydrite nodules at Laño were produced by the percolation of marine brines, during a period corresponding to a sedimentary gap, with δ³⁴S and δ¹⁸O mean values of 18.8‰ and 13.6‰ respectively, consistent with Upper Cretaceous seawater sulphate values. Higher δ³⁴S and δ¹⁸O mean values of 21.2‰ and 21.8‰ recorded in the Tubilla del Agua section are interpreted as being due to a partial bacterial sulphate reduction process in a more restricted marine environment. The idea that sulphates may have originated from the leaching of previously deposited Keuper sulphate evaporites with subsequent precipitation as anhydrite, is rejected because the δ³⁴S, δ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of anhydrite laths observed at both the Tubilla del Agua and Laño sections suggest an origin from younger marine brines. Later calcite replacement and precipitation of geode‐filling calcite is recorded in both sections, with δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values indicating the participation of meteoric waters. Synsedimentary activity of the Peñacerrada diapir, which lies close to the Laño section, played a significant role in the local shallowing of the basin and the formation of quartz geodes. In contrast, eustatic shallowing of the inner marine series of the Tubilla del Agua section led to the generation of morphologically similar quartz geodes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.