The silicon isotopic compositions of silica sinters in Xizang, China: Implications for paleo-geothermal activities since 0.5 Ma B.P.

Abstract

The diagenetic sequence from opal-A to opal-CT has been observed in geothermal systems worldwide. Xizang, a unique geothermal region in the world, has experienced several large-scale geothermal activities since 0.5 million years ago. The Targejia and Gulu geothermal systems were investigated in this study. The time for transformation from opal-A to opal-CT varies, indicating that the rates of silica phase transformation depend on specific conditions; however, their silicon isotopic compositions are not significantly different, ranging from −1.0‰ to −0.3‰ in Targejia and from −1.1‰ to −0.1‰ in Gulu. Additionally, silica sinters undergo varying degrees of diagenesis, as supported by different time periods and varying degrees of ordering. The δ30Si values of different phases, opal-A and opal-CT, also did not significantly change, ranging from −1.1‰ to −0.3‰ for opal-A and from −1.0‰ to −0.1‰ for opal-CT. Due to the lower dissolution rates of sediments, high aluminum content, and reduced reactivity of silica sinters, the δ30Si values of silica sinters are less susceptible to secondary modifications, and the initial information after the silica sinters formation is well preserved. Hence, the isotopic signatures of silica sinters reflect various depositional environments and can be used to reconstruct paleo-geothermal activity. The narrow range and slightly negative isotopic values of silica sinters suggest that large-scale high-temperature geothermal activity has occurred in different regions since 0.5 Ma. The diagenesis of silica sinters may have been influenced by postlarge-scale high-temperature geothermal activity. Such large-scale, high-temperature and long-term natural eruptions in geothermal fields are typically associated with magmatic activity, possibly caused by crustal remelting processes.