The evolution of lithium isotope signatures in fluids draining actively weathering hillslopes
Jon K. Golla, M. Kuessner, M. Henehan
Aug 1, 2021
Citations
12
Citations
Journal
Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Full text
Semantic Scholar
Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: Lithium isotope signatures in fluids draining actively weathering hillslopes reveal the network of silicate weathering reactions and their relative magnitudes, aiding in understanding catchment-scale chemical weathering fluxes.
Abstract
Abstract The stable isotopes of lithium (Li) serve as a robust proxy of silicate weathering. The fate and transport of these isotopes in the dissolved load of major rivers have been characterized to infer changes in both contemporary weathering regimes and paleo-conditions. In this contribution, we deconvolve this integrated signal into the individual processes that fractionate Li at the inception of silicate weathering by directly measuring Li isotope ratios of waters ( δ 7 Li) transiting through a rapidly eroding first-order hillslope. We use these data to develop a multicomponent reactive transport framework, which shows that net dissolution of weathered material generates light δ 7 Li signatures (as low as −9.2‰) in the shallow portion of the vadose zone. An increase in δ 7 Li deeper into the vadose zone (as much as +18‰) reflects an increasing contribution of secondary mineral formation. Below the water table, congruent weathering occurs and imparts elevated cation concentrations and bedrock δ 7 Li. Silicate weathering continues within the saturated zone as groundwater travels downslope ( δ 7 Li = +13 to + 24‰) to the stream. The stream signatures ( δ 7 Li = +28 to +29‰) reflect the terminus of this network of silicate weathering reactions and the relative magnitude of each contributing process (e.g., transitions in secondary mineral formation, dissolution of weathered material). We show that fluid progressing through the weathering profile of this first-order hillslope is distinguished by a sequence of characteristic Li isotope signatures, which can be reproduced in a forward, process-based model framework. This model development offers an improved quantitative basis for the use of metal(loid) stable isotopes in disentangling catchment-scale chemical weathering fluxes.