Abstract
We explore the geochemistry and the isotopic composition of lithium (δ7Li) of rivers draining volcanic islands (Guadeloupe, Iceland, Java, Martinique and Sao Miguel) with a specific focus on continental hydrothermal activity. Our preliminary results reveal a global-scale trend between δ7Li and the elemental ratio Li/Na in rivers draining volcanic islands. We suggest that this trend results from a mixture between waters with low δ7Li and high Li/Na, inherited from high-temperature water rock interactions, and waters with low Li/Na and high δ7Li, in which Li is controlled by the neoformation of clays during low-temperature chemical weathering in basaltic soils. This latter process can be described by a simple isotope fractionation model, consistent with reported values for isotopic fractionation factors between secondary weathering products and water.These data highlight the important potential role of continental high-temperature weathering processes on the oceanic budget of lithium.
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