VARIATIONS IN ISOTOPIC COMPOSITIONS OF CHLORINE IN EVAPORATION-CONTROLLED SALT LAKE BRINES OF QAIDAM BASIN,CHINA

The variations in the isotopic compositions of chlorine in evaporation controlled saline lake brines were determined by using an improved procedure for precise measurement of chlorine isotopes based on Cs 2Cl + ion by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The results showed that variation in δ 37 Cl values in these evaporation controlled brines are attributable to evaporation of brine accompanied by the deposition of saline minerals. The isotopic fractionation of chlorine between the deposited saline mineral and the co existing brine caused the variation of δ 37 Cl values in the brine. In general the isotopic fractionation of chlorine in nature indicates enrichment of 3 7Cl in the solid phase relative to 3 5Cl. The reverse isotopic fractionation of chlorine in which 3 5Cl is enriched in the solid phase, was observed to some extent during quick deposition under laboratory conditions as well as in nature. The mechanism of isotopic fractionation of chlorine during evaporation deposition was studied.

The variations in the isotopic compositions of chlorine in evaporation-controlled saline lake brines were determined by using an improved procedure for precise measurement of chlorine isotopes based on Cs2Cl+ ion by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The results showed that variation in δ37 Cl values in these evaporation-controlled brines are attributable to evaporation of brine accompanied by the deposition of saline minerals. The isotopic fractionation of chlorine between the deposited saline mineral and the co-existing brine caused the variation of δ37 Cl values in the brine. In general the isotopic fractionation of chlorine in nature indicates enrichment of37Cl in the solid phase relative to35Cl. The reverse isotopic fractionation of chlorine in which35Cl is enriched in the solid phase, was observed to some extent during quick deposition under laboratory conditions as well as in nature. The mechanism of isotopic fractionation of chlorine during evaporation deposition was studied. Key words chlorine - isotopic composition - salt lakes Project 49173163 supported by NSFC.