Neodymium and strontium isotopic constraints on soil sources in Barbados, West Indies

Abstract

Neodymium and strontium isotopic compositions and SmNd ratios are used to constrain the sources of silicate-rich soils developed on uplifted Pleistocene coral-reef limestones on Barbados, West Indies. The geographic and geologic setting of Barbados facilitates the application of these tracers to the evaluation of the following soil sources: (1) Pleistocene reef limestone regolith, (2) Tertiary carbonate rocks, sandstones, and mudstones that are exposed in northeastern Barbados, (3) volcanic ash erupted from the Lesser Antilles arc, (4) Saharan dust transported by trade winds, and (5) fertilizer. The soils have ϵNd values that range from −6.6 to −1.9, 87Sr86Sr values of 0.70890 to 0.71067, and SmNd ratios of 0.223–0.260. The Pleistocene limestone component is the most significant source of Sr in the soils and a negligible source of Nd. Comparison of Sm and Nd concentrations and neodymium isotopic compositions of soil samples that are weathered to varying extents indicates that Sm and Nd are relatively unfractionated and retained in the soils during weathering. ϵNd and SmNd variations in the soils, therefore, primarily reflect the compositions and proportions of the silicate sources. Mass balance calculations based on Sm‐Nd systematics require that the silicate soil components contain between 30–85% volcanic ash, with the remaining silicate fraction comprised of old, continentally-derived sediment. In contrast to Sm and Nd, Sr is mobilized and removed from the soils during weathering. Strontium from volcanic and carbonate sources is preferentially removed relative to continental silicate sources. The strontium isotopic compositions of the soils, therefore, reflect the combined effects of the degree of weathering and the compositions and proportions of the soil sources. Mass balance calculations indicate that at least 35–60% of the initial Sr in the soils has been removed by weathering. These results illustrate (1) the utility of radiogenic isotopes in identifying and quantifying soil sources and weathering processes, (2) the compositional influence of numerous sources on soils, even those developed in a relatively isolated area such as Barbados, and (3) the domination of Barbados soil Sm‐Nd systematics by nonregolith eolian components.