A hydro-thermo-haline numerical approach of the groundwater flow to explain the extreme Li-enrichment in the Salar de Atacama (NE Chile)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Angel Marazuela ◽  
Carlos Ayora ◽  
Enric Vázquez Suñé ◽  
Sebastià Olivella Pastallé ◽  
Alejandro García Gil
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Rare Elements ◽  
Salt Flat ◽  
Major Cations ◽  
Salt Flats ◽  
Strong Evaporation ◽  
Hydrogeological Systems

<p>Salt flats (<em>salars</em>) are endorheic hydrogeological systems associated with arid to hyperarid climates. The brines of salt flats account the 80 % of the world’s reserves of Li highly demanded by modern industry. About 40 % of the worldwide Li is extracted from the brine that fills the pores and cavities of the Salar de Atacama. However, the origin of the extreme Li-enrichment of these brines is still unknown.</p><p>The thick accumulation of salts and brines in salt flats results from the groundwater discharge (phreatic evaporation) near the land surface for thousands to millions of years. The strong evaporation contributes the enrichment in major cations and anions as well as other rare elements (e.g. Li, B, Ba, Sr, Br, I and F) which are very attractive for mining exploitation. However, only evaporation cannot explain by itself the extreme concentrations of some of these elements and the strong decoupling between the most evaporated brines and the most Li-enriched brines in the Salar de Atacama. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the extreme Li-enrichment of the salt flat brines: (a) concentrated brines leaking down from salt flats located in the Andean Plateau, (b) leaching of hypothetical ancient salt flats buried among volcanic rocks, and (c) rising of hydrothermal brines from deep reservoirs through faults. However, none of them has been able probed neither validated by a numerical model till the date.</p><p>The objective of this work is to discuss the feasibility of the different hypotheses proposed until now to explain the formation of the world's largest lithium reserve. To achieve this objective, two sets of numerical simulations of a 2D vertical cross-section of the entire Salar de Atacama basin are carried out to define (1) the origin and evolution of a salt flat and how climate cycles can affect the location of the most Li-concentrated brines by evaporation and (2) the establishment of the hydro-thermo-haline circulation of a mature salt flat basin.</p>

scholarly journals Variations in Surface Albedo Arising from Flooding and Desiccation Cycles on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Craft ◽  
John D. Horel
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
Surface Albedo ◽  
Rainfall Runoff ◽  
Water Index ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Salt Flats ◽  
Normalized Difference Water Index ◽  
Northern Utah ◽  
Flooding Events ◽  
Topographic Relief

AbstractDesert playas, such as those in northern Utah, form a landscape often in stark contrast to surrounding mountain ranges due to their minimal topographic relief, lack of vegetation, and saline soils. Dry highly reflective halite surfaces, which make up many of the desert playas in northern Utah, are generally characterized by a surface albedo over 40%. However, their albedo can be reduced abruptly to less than 20% by flooding due to rainfall, runoff from surrounding higher terrain, or surface winds transporting shallow water across the playas. A weather station installed during September 2016 to study the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) in northern Utah provides estimates of surface albedo that can be related to cycles of flooding and desiccation of the halite surface. The normalized difference water index (NDWI) derived from the MODIS MOD09A1 land surface reflectance product estimates the fractional coverage of surface water over the BSF. NDWI values computed over 8-day periods from 2000 to 2018 highlight year-to-year and seasonal variations in playa flooding events over the BSF. Periods of playa flooding were observed with both ground-based observations and NDWI with sharp reductions in albedo when the surface is flooded.

Fe-Cu-S rich melts in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle: insight from the Lower Silesian (SW Poland) xenoliths

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Mazurek ◽  
Jakub Ciążela ◽  
Magdalena Matusiak-Małek ◽  
Jacek Puziewicz ◽  
Theodoros Ntaflos
Keyword(s):  
Lithospheric Mantle ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Mantle Xenoliths ◽  
Subcontinental Lithospheric Mantle ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Depleted Mantle ◽  
Group A ◽  
Sw Poland ◽  
Group B

<p>Migration of strategic metals through the lithospheric mantle can be tracked by sulfides in mantle xenoliths. Cenozoic mafic volcanic rocks from the SW Poland (Lower Silesia, Bohemian Massif) host a variety of subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) xenoliths. To understand metal migration in the SCLM we studied metal budget of peridotites from the Wilcza Góra basanite and their metasomatic history.</p><p>The Wilcza Góra xenoliths are especially appropriate to study metasomatic processes as they consist of 1) peridotites with Ol<sub>Fo=89.1-91.5 </sub>representing depleted mantle (group A); 2) peridotites with Ol<sub>Fo=84.2-89.2</sub> representing melt-metasomatized mantle (group B), as well as 3) hornblende-clinopyroxenites and websterites with Ol<sub>Fo=77.2-82.5</sub> representing former melt  channels (group C; Matusiak-Małek et al., 2017). The inherent sulfides are either interstitial or enclosed in the silicates. High-temperature exsolutions of pyrrhotite (Po), pentlandite (Pn) and chalcopyrite (Ccp) indicate magmatic origin of the sulfides.</p><p>The three peridotitic groups differ by sulfide mode and composition. The sulfide modes are enhanced in group C (0.022-0.963 vol.‰) and group B (<0.028 vol. ‰) with respect to group A (<0.002 vol.‰). The sulfides of group C are Ni-poor and Fe-Cu-rich as reflected in their mineral composition (Po<sub>55-74</sub>Ccp<sub>1-2</sub>Pn<sub>24-44</sub> in group A, Po<sub>67-85</sub>Ccp<sub>1-6</sub>Pn<sub>14-33</sub>, in group B and Po<sub>80-97</sub>Ccp<sub>1-7</sub>Pn<sub>2-20 </sub>in group C) and major element chemical composition. Ni/(Ni+Fe) of pentlandite is the lowest in group C (~0.25) and the highest in group A (0.54-0.61). Cu/(Cu+Fe) of chalcopyrite is 0.32-0.49 in group C contrasting to~0.50 in groups A and B. </p><p>The sulfide-rich xenoliths of group C indicate an important role of pyroxenitic veins in transporting Fe-Cu-S-rich melts from the upper mantle to the crust. However, the moderately enhanced sulfide modes in melt-mantle reaction zones represented by xenoliths of group B demonstrate that the upper continental mantle is refertilized with these melts during their ascent. Hence, significant portion of S and metals remains in the mantle never reaching the crust, as has been previously observed in the oceanic lithosphere (Ciazela et al., 2018).</p><p> </p><p><strong>Acknowledgments:</strong> This study was supported by the NCN project no. UMO-2014/15/B/ST10/00095. The EPMA analyses were funded from the Polish-Austrian project WTZ PL 08/2018.</p><p> </p><p><strong>References:</strong></p><p>Ciazela, J., Koepke, J., Dick, H. J. B., Botcharnikov, R., Muszynski, A., Lazarov, M., Schuth, S., Pieterek, B. & Kuhn, T. (2018). Sulfide enrichment at an oceanic crust-mantle transition zone: Kane Megamullion (23 N, MAR). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 230, 155-189</p><p>Matusiak-Małek, M., Puziewicz, J., Ntaflos, T., Grégoire, M., Kukuła, A. & Wojtulek P.   M. (2017). Origin and evolution of rare amphibole-bearing mantle peridotites from Wilcza Góra (SW Poland), Central Europe. Lithos 286–287, 302–323.</p>

Rock denudation rates and organic carbon exports along a latitudinal gradient in the Hudson, James, and Ungava bays watershed

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 742-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Rosa ◽  
Jérôme Gaillardet ◽  
Claude Hillaire-Marcel ◽  
Jean-François Hélie ◽  
Louis-Filip Richard
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Latitudinal Gradient ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Canadian Shield ◽  
Denudation Rates ◽  
Major Cation ◽  
Major Cations ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
The Relationship

This study documents chemical denudation rates (CDR) in the Canadian Shield and Interior Platform. It focuses on the dissolved chemistry of rivers flowing into the Hudson, James, and Ungava bays (HJUB). Major ions, strontium, neodymium, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were monitored in four rivers (Koksoak, Great Whale, La Grande, and Nelson). Six other rivers flowing into the HJUB were sampled during baseflow and snowmelt conditions. The rivers of the Canadian Shield exhibit major cation concentrations ranging between 62 and 360 µmol/L, [Nd] of 0.57–4.72 nmol/L, and variable [DOC] of 241–1777 µmol/L. In comparison, the Nelson River (Interior Platform) shows higher major cation concentrations (1200–2276 µmol/L), lower [Nd] (0.14–0.45 nmol/L), and intermediate [DOC] (753–928 µmol/L). Altogether, the studied rivers export 8 × 106 t/year of dissolved major cations and 50 t/year of dissolved Nd towards the HJUB. Basin-scale rock denudation rates (RDR) range from 1.0 to 5.3 t·km–2·year–1 and are essentially controlled by lithology, as illustrated by the relationship established between RDR and the proportion of sedimentary and volcanic rocks (%S + %V) within the basins: RDR = 0.08(%S + %V) + 0.9. In contrast, dissolved Nd exports (and likely other insoluble elements) seem to be dependent upon organic matter leaching, as illustrated by the empirical coupling between Nd and DOC exports. These fluxes decrease northwards, likely in response to the hydroclimatic gradient. The CDR evaluated within the Canadian Shield are among the lowest on the planet, and the alkalinity generated by rock weathering remains small with respect to DOC exports.

scholarly journals Origin and Evolution of Saline Spring Water in North and Central Laos Based on Hydrochemistry and Stable Isotopes (δD, δ18O, δ11B, and δ37Cl)

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 3568
Author(s):  
Xiwei Qin ◽  
Haizhou Ma ◽  
Xiying Zhang ◽  
Xiasong Hu ◽  
Guorong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Carbonate Rocks ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Atmospheric Precipitation ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Geochemical Type ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Deep Circulation ◽  
Saline Springs

This paper discusses the origin and evolution of saline springs in north and central Laos, based on chemical and stable isotopes (δD, δ18O, δ11B, and δ37Cl). All the saline springs in this study are of the Na–Cl geochemical type. The geochemical and water isotope values suggest that the saline springs in this study are mainly derived from meteoric water and/or ice and snow melt from the surrounding mountains and that they also experienced strong evaporation and intense rock–water interactions. The ionic ratios, characteristic coefficients, ternary Ca–SO4–HCO3 phase diagrams, and saturation indices of minerals show that the dissolution of halite, sulfate, and carbonate rocks may be the solute sources for saline springs in this study, whereas the underground brines in the Thakhek potash mining area are geochemically influenced by the dissolution of carnallite and sylvite. The global geothermal δ11B–Cl/B relationship and δ11B values (5.50 to 36.01‰) of saline springs suggest a continental origin of B. This B is most likely derived from marine carbonate rocks and marine evaporates (gypsum and halite) of the late Cretaceous, which is similar to the saline springs of the Nangqen–Qamdo–Simao Salt Basin. The δ37Cl value (−0.12 to +0.79) and the Cl/Br ratio (4076 to 9853) show that dissolution of late cretaceous marine halite layers, atmospheric precipitation, and water–rock interactions between volcanic rocks, mudstones, and sandstone can restrict the δ37Cl values in saline springs. Results from silica geothermometry and multi–mineral equilibrium diagrams indicate that the reservoir temperatures for the saline springs range from 87–137 °C and experience deep circulation. Hydrochemical characteristic coefficients suggest that saline springs in the Muang Say basin may have leached sylvinite and carnallite and that the potash exploration prospect in this area is relatively good.

An enriched mantle source for Italy's melilitite-carbonatite association as inferred by its Nd-Sr isotope signature

2000 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 625-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Castorina ◽  
F. Stoppa ◽  
A. Cundari ◽  
M. Barbieri
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Mantle Source ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Nd Isotope ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Enriched Mantle ◽  
Assimilation Process ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Limestone Assimilation

AbstractNew Sr-Nd isotope data were obtained from Late Pleistocene carbonatite-kamafugite associations from the Umbria-Latium Ultra-Alkaline District of Italy (ULUD) with the aim of constraining their origin and possible mantle source(s). This is relevant to the origin and evolution of ultrapotassic (K/Na ≫2) and associated rocks generally, notably the occurrences from Ugandan kamafugites,Western Australian lamproites and South African orangeites. The selected ULUD samples yielded 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ranging from 0.7100 to 0.7112 and from 0.5119 to 0.5121 respectively, similar to cratonic potassic volcanic rocks with higher Rb/Sr and lower Sm/Nd ratios than Bulk Earth. Silicate and carbonate fractions separated from melilitite are in isotopic equilibrium, supporting the view that they are cogenetic. The ULUD carbonatites yielded the highest radiogenic Sr so far reported for carbonatites. In contrast, sedimentary limestones from ULUD basement formations are lower in radiogenic Sr, i.e. 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70745–0.70735. The variation trend of ULUD isotopic compositions is similar to that reported for Ugandan kamafugites and Western Australian lamproites and overlaps the values for South African orangeites in the εSr-εNd diagram. A poor correlation between Sr/Nd and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in ULUD rocks is inconsistent with a mantle source generated by subduction-driven processes, while the negligible Sr and LREE in sedimentary limestones from the ULUD region fail to account for a hypothetical limestone assimilation process. The Nd model ages of 1.5–1.9 Ga have been inferred for a possible metasomatic event, allowing further radiogenic evolution of the source, a process which may have occurred in isolation until eruption time. While the origin of this component remains speculative, the Sr-Nd isotope trend is consistent with a simple mixing process involving an OIB-type mantle and a component with low εNd and high εSr.

The geochemistry of gold-bearing chemical sediments, Dickenson Mine, Red Lake, Ontario: a reconnaissance study

1981 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 624-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kerrich ◽  
B. J. Fryer ◽  
K. J. Milner ◽  
M. G. Peirce
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Hydrothermal Fluids ◽  
Base Metals ◽  
Sea Floor ◽  
Red Lake ◽  
Reconnaissance Survey ◽  
Rare Elements ◽  
Chemical Sediments ◽  
Mobile Base ◽  
Gold Bearing

Auriferous sedimentary rocks at the Dickenson Mine, Red Lake, are characterized by large enrichments of rare elements (Au, Ag, Pd, As, Sb, B) and metals conventionally considered to be relatively immobile (Ni, W), with negligible concentrations of the abundant and mobile base metals. Based on a reconnaissance survey involving 12 rocks analysed for 42 elements, these sediments can be represented in terms of a mixture of two components―mafic volcaniclastic material and hydrothermal precipitates. The volcaniclastic component has a composition closely comparable to mafic volcanic rocks that conformably envelope the sediments, and contributes all of the Al, Ti, V, Sc, Zr, and F. The hydrothermal component donates Si, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, K, Si, and C, together with Au, Ag, Pd, As, Sb, B, W, and Ni. Chromium and nickel are contributed from both sources. Alteration of the mafic volcanic rocks that envelope the auriferous sediments involved fixation of Si, K, and CO2, in contrast to the typical patterns of metasomatism in footwall rocks to base metal massive sulphide deposits, which are characterized by Mg, Fe (Si, S) addition.Quartz isolated from chert within the auriferous sediments and volcanic rocks has a maximum δ18O of 19‰, which is within the range of δ values for marine cherts of ~2.8 Ga, and signifies precipitation in equilibrium with ambient marine water of ~−1‰ at ~70–90 °C. Mafic volcanic wall rocks to the sediments have whole-rock δ18O values of 16–17‰ and Δquartz–chlorite ≤ 2‰. The anomalously heavy whole-rock isotopic composition and small quartz–chlorite fractionation may result from the growth of chlorite from precursors such as zeolites and smectite. Alternatively, chlorite or its precursors may have become enriched in 18O by isotope exchange with metamorphic hydrothermal fluids that become ponded when discharge to the hydrosphere was capped by overlying basalts.Rare earth element (REE) distributions in sediments and mafic volcanic wall rocks are characterized by relatively flat normalized patterns up to Sm–Gd, followed by an abrupt continuous decline in abundance. This implies modification of the primary tholeiitic abundances by hydrothermal solutions capable of mobilizing heavy REE's relative to light REE's. The environment that would satisfy the geological observations and chemical data is one of metamorphic hydrothermal fluids emmanating onto the sea floor during a period of relatively quiescent mafic submarine volcanism, with subsequent capping of the discharge during emplacement of the overlying pillow basalts.

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