Muscovite^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar isotopic dating of pegmatite veins in the Bieyesamas rare metal deposit in the Altay Mountain,Xinjiang,northwestern China

1.Objective The Altay Orogenic Belt in Xinjiang,China is located in the west of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and in the transition zone between the Siberian Plate and the Kazakhstan-Junggar Plate,extending approximately 500 km in northern Xinjiang,China(Fig.1a).The Altay Orogenic Belt has undergone two-way accretion of the Paleozoic crust and the Meso-Cenozoic intracontinental orogeny,leading to the formation of large numbers of intermediate-acid intrusions.More than 100000 pegmatite veins have been discovered in the intermediate-acid intrusions,and they constitute an important rare metal metallogenic belt of China(Fig.1b).

Characteristics of carbon isotopic composition of alkane gas in large gas fields in China

Exploration and development of large gas fields is an important way for a country to rapidly develop its natural gas industry.From 1991 to 2020,China discovered 68 new large gas fields,boosting its annual gas output to 1925×108m3in 2020,making it the fourth largest gas-producing country in the world.Based on 1696 molecular components and carbon isotopic composition data of alkane gas in 70 large gas fields in China,the characteristics of carbon isotopic composition of alkane gas in large gas fields in China were obtained.The lightest and average values ofδ^(13)C_(1),δ13C2,δ13C3andδ13C4become heavier with increasing carbon number,while the heaviest values ofδ^(13)C_(1),δ13C2,δ13C3andδ13C4become lighter with increasing carbon number.Theδ^(13)C_(1)values of large gas fields in China range from-71.2‰to-11.4‰(specifically,from-71.2‰to-56.4‰for bacterial gas,from-54.4‰to-21.6‰for oil-related gas,from-49.3‰to-18.9‰for coal-derived gas,and from-35.6‰to-11.4‰for abiogenic gas).Based on these data,theδ^(13)C_(1)chart of large gas fields in China was plotted.Moreover,theδ^(13)C_(1)values of natural gas in China range from-107.1‰to-8.9‰,specifically,from-1071%o to-55.1‰for bacterial gas,from-54.4‰to-21.6‰for oil-related gas,from-49.3‰to-13.3‰for coal-derived gas,and from-36.2‰to-8.9‰for abiogenic gas.Based on these data,theδ^(13)C_(1)chart of natural gas in China was plotted.

A review of ^(17)O isotopic labeling techniques for solid-state NMR structural studies of metal oxides in lithium-ion batteries

Recent advances in utilizing ^(17)O isotopic labeling methods for solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)investigations of metal oxides for lithium-ion batteries have yielded extensive insights into their structural and dynamic details.Herein,we commence with a brief introduction to recent research on lithium-ion battery oxide materials studied using ^(17)O solid-state NMR spectroscopy.Then we delve into a review of ^(17)O isotopic labeling methods for tagging oxygen sites in both the bulk and surfaces of metal oxides.At last,the unresolved problems and the future research directions for advancing the ^(17)O labeling technique are discussed.

Genesis of the Nuri Cu-W-Mo Deposit,Tibet,China:Constraints from in situ Trace Elements and Sr Isotopic Analysis of Scheelite

The Nuri deposit is the only Cu-W-Mo polymetallic deposit with large-scale WO3 resources in the eastern section of the Gangdese metallogenic belt,Tibet,China.However,the genetic type of this deposit has been controversial since its discovery.Based on a study of the geological characteristics of the deposit,this study presents mineralization stages,focusing on the oxide stage and the quartz-sulfide stage where scheelite is mainly formed,referred to as Sch-A and Sch-B,respectively.Through LA-ICP-MS trace element and Sr isotope analyses,the origin,evolutionary process of the oreforming fluid and genesis of the ore deposit are investigated.Scanning Electron Microscope-Cathodoluminescence(SEMCL)observations reveal that Sch-A consists of three generations,with dark gray homogenous Sch-A1 being replaced by relatively lighter and homogeneous Sch-A2 and Sch-A3,with Sch-A2 displaying a gray CL image color with vague and uneven growth bands and Sch-A3 has a light gray CL image color with hardly any growth band.In contrast,Sch-B exhibits a‘core-rim’structure,with the core part(Sch-B1)being dark gray and displaying a uniform growth band,while the rim part(Sch-B2)is light gray and homogeneous.The normalized distribution pattern of rare earth elements in scheelite and Sr isotope data suggest that the early ore-forming fluid in the Nuri deposit originated from granodiorite porphyry and,later on,some country rock material was mixed in,due to strong water-rock interaction.Combining the O-H isotope data further indicates that the ore-forming fluid in the Nuri deposit originated from magmatic-hydrothermal sources,with contributions from metamorphic water caused by water-rock interaction during the mineralization process,as well as later meteoric water.The intense water-rock interaction likely played a crucial role in the precipitation of scheelite,leading to varying Eu anomalies in different generations of scheelite from the oxide stage to the quartz-sulfide stage,while also causing a gradual decrease in oxygen fugacity(fO2)and a slow rise in pH value.Additionally,the high Mo and low Sr contents in the scheelite are consistent with typical characteristics of magmatic-hydrothermal scheelite.Therefore,considering the geological features of the deposit,the geochemical characteristics of scheelite and the O-H isotope data published previously,it can be concluded that the genesis of the Nuri deposit belongs to porphyry-skarn deposit.

Extensive Resetting of Feldspar Pb Isotopic Composition in Archean–Paleoproterozoic Granitic Rocks from the Kongling Terrane,South China:Implications for Tracing Thermal Evolutionary History

Feldspar Pb isotopes have been widely used to trace magmatic formation and evolution processes.However,it remains unclear whether post-magmatic thermal events can affect feldspar Pb isotopic ratios.Here,the in situ Pb isotopic composition of feldspar hosted in granitic rocks(thirteen Archean and one Paleoproterozoic)from the northern Kongling terrane,Yangtze Craton,South China,is analyzed.The samples reveal a substantial variation in their Pb isotopic composition,spanning the gap between the 1.9 Ga and present-day geochrons,which indicates extensive resetting by later tectonothermal events.This resetting was interpreted to have likely resulted from Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic tectonothermal events related to the assembly and breakup of the Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents.These results suggest that Pb isotopes should be used cautiously when tracing magma sources and petrogenesis in magmatic rocks that have experienced post-magmatic reworking.However,the in situ Pb isotopic composition of feldspar in ancient granitoids may also potentially be used to reveal later tectonothermal events.The extensive resetting of the Pb isotopic composition in feldspar by regional thermal events may also provide new insights into our understanding of the Pb isotope paradox.

Determinant variables on the isotopic values of particulate organic matter in a neotropical floodplain

Particulate organic matter(POM)is an important energy source for aquatic consumers,understanding its origin and composition is essential for understanding the energetic dynamics of aquatic environments.The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between POM and phytoplankton(isotopic values and chlorophyll concentration)and abiotic variables during dry and rainy seasons.Sampling was conducted in rivers and lagoons in the floodplain of the Upper ParanáRiver.We found a greater difference in ^(δ13)C values of POM between sampling points than between seasons,indicating that the composition of regional sources influences the composition of POM more than dry and rainy seasons.In addition,the concentration of chlorophyll during the dry season was positively correlated with ^(δ13)C values during that rainy period.Additionally,we found a relationship between factors limiting the growth of phytoplankton and ^(δ13)C values of POM,such as phosphate ions,indicating that variables that regulate phytoplankton growth tend to influence the composition of POM in river floodplains.Therefore,maintaining the variables that regulate the phytoplankton community is of fundamental importance for the composition of POM,an important energy source in aquatic environments.

Geochemical and Isotopic Techniques Constraints on the Origin,Evolution,and Residence Time of Low-enthalpy Geothermal Water in Western Wugongshan,SE China

Geothermal resources are increasingly gaining attention as a competitive,clean energy source to address the energy crisis and mitigate climate change.The Wugongshan area,situated in the southeast coast geothermal belt of China,is a typical geothermal anomaly and contains abundant medium-and low-temperature geothermal resources.This study employed hydrogeochemical and isotopic techniques to explore the cyclic evolution of geothermal water in the western Wugongshan region,encompassing the recharge origin,water-rock interaction mechanisms,and residence time.The results show that the geothermal water in the western region of Wugongshan is weakly alkaline,with low enthalpy and mineralization levels.The hydrochemistry of geothermal waters is dominated by Na-HCO_(3)and Na-SO_(4),while the hydrochemistry types of cold springs are all Na-HCO_(3).The hydrochemistry types of surface waters and rain waters are NaHCO_(3)or Ca-HCO_(3).The δD and δ^(18)O values reveal that the geothermal waters are recharged by atmospheric precipitation at an altitude between 550.0 and 1218.6 m.Molar ratios of maj or solutes and isotopic compositions of^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr underscore the significant role of silicate weathering,dissolution,and cation exchange in controlling geothermal water chemistry.Additionally,geothermal waters experienced varying degrees of mixing with cold water during their ascent.Theδ^(13)C values suggest that the primary sources of carbon in the geothermal waters were biogenic and organic.Theδ^(34)S value suggests that the sulfates in geothermal water originate from sulfide minerals in the surrounding rock.Age dating using 3H and^(14)C isotopes suggests that geothermal waters have a residence time exceeding 1 kaBP and undergo a long-distance cycling process.

Morphological and Sulfur-Isotopic Characteristics of Pyrites in the Deep Sediments from Xisha Trough,South China Sea

Pyrite is one of the common authigenic minerals in marine sediments.Previous studies have shown that the morphological and isotopic characteristics of pyrite are closely related to the geochemical environment where it is formed.To better understand the for-mation mechanism of authigenic pyrite,we analyzed the isotopic composition,morphology,and distribution of pyrite in the sediment at 500m below the seafloor from Xisha Trough,South China Sea.Mineral morphologies were observed by scanning electron micros-copy and Raman spectrography.X-Ray computed tomography was applied to measure the particle size of pyrite.The size of pyrite crystals in the matrix sediment mainly ranged between 25 and 65µm(av.ca.40µm),although crystals were larger(av.ca.50μm)in the veins.The pyrites had a fine-grained truncated octahedral shape with occasionally well-developed growth steps,which implies the low growth rate and weak anaerobic oxidation of methane-sulfate reduction when pyrite was formed.Theδ^(34)S values of pyrites ranged from+20.8‰Vienna-defined Canyon Diablo Troilite(V-CDT)to+33.2‰V-CDT and from+44.8‰V-CDT to+48.9‰,which suggest two growth stages.In the first stage,with the continuous low methane flux,the pyrite possibly formed in an environment with good access to seawater.In the second stage,the pyrites mainly developed in sediment fractures and appeared in veins,probably due to the limited availability of sulfate.The less exposure of pyrite to the environment in the second stage was probably caused by sediment accumulation or perturbation.In this study,an episodic pyritization process was identified,and the paleoenvironment was reconstructed for the sediment investigated.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic assessment of the origin of NO_(3)^(−)and N-NH_(3)contents in the aquifer located in a closed lacustrine volcano-sedimentary basin in the metropolitan area of Mexico City

To explain the presence and spatial distribution of NO_(3)^(−)and N-NH_(3)in the Aquifer of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City(AMAMC),a hydrogeochemical and isotopic analysis using^(13)C DIC(as well as the stable isotopes^(18)O and^(2)H)in groundwater was conducted.This aquifer is located in an old closed lacustrine volcano-sedimentary basin;some wells hosted in the semi-confined zone contain high N-NH_(3)concentrations,while others present NO_(3)^(−)contents in the recharge zones(hosted in an oxidizing environment).In this study,a change in the isotopic signature(primarily in^(18)O and^(2)H)was observed from the recharge zones to the basin center in some of the wells with high NO_(3)^(−)concentrations,this behavior can be attributed to evaporation during the incorporation of recently infiltrated water.In addition,the results for^(13)C(along with ^(2) H)in wells with the highest N-NH_(3)concentrations exhibited an atypically broad range of values.Results indicated the occurrence of hydrogeochemical and/or biochemical processes in the aquifer(in an oxidizing or reducing environment),such as organic degradation,bacterial decomposition(primarily in the ancient Lake Texcoco and which acts as a natural sink for carbon,nitrogen,sulfur,and phosphorus),besides rock weathering and dissolution,which may be responsible for a very marked isotopic modification of the^(13)C(and,to a lesser extent,2 H).Methanotrophic bacterial activity and methanogenic activity may be related to N-NH_(3)removal processes by oxidation and residual water incorporation respectively,whereas the increase in the NO_(3)^(−)content in some wells is due to the recent contribution of poor-quality water due to contamination.

Stable Isotopic Signatures of NO3 in Waste Water Effluent and Los Angeles River

A metropolitan city such as Los Angeles (LA) is an ideal study site with a very high population density, and it houses at least 3 treatment plants where sewage is treated preliminarily and then progressing to tertiary treatment before discharging into the LA River. We will gain a better understanding of the water quality in the LA River and the nitrate load in the watershed system by examining the influence of waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). The goal of this study is to pinpoint the exact source of nitrate in the LA River using the isotope signatures. We have selected sampling locations both upstream and downstream of the WWTP. This serves to monitor nitrate levels, aiding in the assessment of treatment plant effectiveness, pinpointing nitrate pollution sources, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The research explores the isotopic composition of NO3 in relation to atmospheric nitrogen and Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water, shedding light on the contributions from various sources such as manure, sewage, soil organic nitrogen, and nitrogen fertilizers. Specifically, there is a change in the δ15NAir value between the dry and wet seasons. The isotope values in the Tillman WWTP sample changed between dry and wet seasons. Notably, the presence of nitrate originating from manure and sewage is consistent across seasons, emphasizing the significant impact of anthropogenic and agricultural activities on water quality. This investigation contributes to the broader understanding of nitrogen cycling in urban water bodies, particularly in the context of wastewater effluent discharge. The findings hold implications for water quality management and highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of nitrogen-containing compounds on aquatic ecosystems. Overall, the study provides a valuable framework for future research and environmental stewardship efforts aimed at preserving the health and sustainability of urban water resources. This data informs decisions regarding additional treatment or mitigation actions to safeguard downstream water quality and ecosystem health.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Hand-Reared in Captivity: Isotopic Insights into Their Inherent Dietary Variation

Stable isotope analysis is a widely used method for gathering ecological insights into the diet and feeding habitats of various species. While captive studies often limit lethal sampling and differ from wild conditions, they offer valuable insights into inherent isotopic variations among individuals, which are often assumed to reflect differences between natural populations. In the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, loggerhead turtle hatchlings from different nests were fed. Necropsies were conducted on turtles that died during this period, obtaining bone fragments for analysis. We evaluated the isotopic variation of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in bone tissue across six turtle nests (n = 66 samples) and assessed differences in Straight Carapace Length (SCL, n = 71 samples). Using SIBER and nicheROVER in R, we calculated niche width and overlap, while the simmr package determined primary prey assimilation. Despite feeding the hatchlings the same prey, we observed variations in nitrogen isotope assimilation between nests. Nests 4 and 6 had a niche width >1.8‰, indicating consistent consumption frequencies across all prey and >70% niche overlap with other nests. In contrast, nests 1 and 2 showed a narrower niche width (Mugil sp. constituted the primary diet component (>40%) across all groups. This study demonstrates how factors like competition or prey preference can influence the assimilation of diet, even when the source remains constant (inherent variation).

Re-Os Isotopic Dating of a W-Be Polymetallic Deposit in the Southern Qinling Region, China

Objective In recent years, a series of tungsten prospecting breakthroughs have been made in the southern Qinling Mountains. Especially, a new deposit type with a scheelite -beryl-molybdenite assemblage in the Zhen＇an area of Shaanxi Province was firstly discovered. This deposit is currently in a detailed investigation stage, and no detailed study has been yet conducted. This work selected one molybdenite sample from the Be （W） ores in this deposit for Re-Os isotope measurements to define the time limit of tungsten and beryllium mineralization, and to further reveal the ore-forming geological setting of rare metals in the southern Qinling region.

Isotopic Effects on Stereodynamics for Ca＋HCI, Ca＋DCI, and Ca＋TCl Reactions

The vector correlations in Ca＋HCl, Ca＋DCl, and Ca＋TCl reactions have been investigated by means of the quasi-classical trajectory calculations on PES constructed by means of multireference configuration interaction. The distributions of P（θr）, P（Фr） and the PDDCSs of （2π/σ）（dσ00/dωt）, （2π/σ）（dσ20/dωt）, （2π/σ）（dσ22＋/dωt）, （2π/σ）（dσ21-/dωt） have been calculated based on the surface. The remarkable isotopic effects in the reactions are observed, and the mechanism which may be ascribed to different mass factors is discussed.

A mathematical diffusion model of carbon isotopic reversals inside ultra-tight Longmaxi shale matrixes

Developing mathematical models for high Knudsen number(Kn)flow for isotopic gas fractionation in tight sedimentary rocks is still challenging.In this study,carbon isotopic reversals(δ^(13)C_(1)>δ^(13)C_(2))were found for four Longmaxi shale samples based on gas degassing experiments.Gas in shale with higher gas content exhibits larger reversal.Then,a mathematical model was developed to simulate the carbon isotopic reversals of methane and ethane.This model is based on these hypotheses:(i)diffusion flow is dominating during gas transport process;(ii)diffusion coefficients are nonlinear depending on concentration gradient.Our model not only shows a good agreement with isotopic reversals,but also well predicts gas production rates by selecting appropriate exponents m and m^(*) of gas pressure gradient,where m is for ^(12)C and m^(*)is for ^(13)C.Moreover,the(m−m^(*))value has a positive correlation with fractionation level.(m1−m1^(*))of methane are much higher than that of ethane.Finally,the predicted carbon isotopic reversal magnitude(δ^(13)C_(1)−δ^(13)C_(2))exhibits a positive relationship with total gas content since gas in shale with higher gas content experiences a more extensive high Kn number diffusion flow.As a result,our model demonstrates an impressive agreement with the experimental carbon isotopic reversal data.

Mass-Spectrometric Method of Measurement of Isotopic Content of Nitrogen in Organic Compounds

Nitrogen-15 isotope-modified compounds are widely used in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture and various fields of science and their nomenclature is gradually increasing. Their widespread use depends on the availability of inexpensive and simple isotope analysis methods. The present article is an attempt to determine the nitrogen-15 isotope content directly in organic compounds without their conversion. The general principle of possibility of determination of the isotopes of nitrogen directly in organic compounds is proposed. Based on the study of mass-spectra of Carbamide Carbonyldiamide, isocyanic acid and nitrobenzene the mass peaks are selected, by which it is possible to determine the atomic fraction of the isotopes of nitrogen. The respective formulas are proposed.

Petrogenesis of Indosinian Granitoids in Middle-Segment of South Qinling Tectonic Belt:Constraints from Sr-Nd Isotopic Systematics

South Qinling Tectonic Belt（SQTB）is located between the Shangzhou-Danfeng and Mianxian-Lueyang sutures.There are a lot of early Mesozoic granitoid plutons in its middle segment, comprising the Dongjiangkou-Zhashui granitoid plutons at the northeast,Huayang-Wulong-Laocheng granitoid plutons at the central part,Xiba granitoid pluton at the northwest and Guangtoushan-Liuba granitoid plutons at the southwest.These Indonisian granitoids contain a mass of various scale mafic enclaves,which show sometimes clear boundaries and sometimes transitional boundaries with their host granitoids.These granitoids also exhibit metaluminous to peraluminous series,commonly higher Mg# and a wide range of petrochemistry from low-K tholeiite series,through mid-K and high-K calc-alkaline series to shoshonite series and predominated samples are attributed to mid-K and high-K calc-alkaline series.Detailed analyses in Sr-Nd isotopic systematics and petrochemistry reveal that there may be regionally initial granitoid magma of the Indonisian granitoid plutons,comprising Dongjiangkou-Zhashui,Huayang-Wulong-Laocheng,Xiba,and Guangtoushan-Liuba granitoid plutons,which were produced by hybrids of magmas in various degrees,and the initial magmas were derived from both the mantle and the lower continental crust（LCC）sources in the SQTB.The initial granitoid magma further did the magma hybrid with the magmas from the LCC,crystallization fractionation,and assimilation with upper crustal materials during their emplacement to produce these granitoid plutons in the SQTB.These magmatism processes are most likely to occur under continent marginal arc and syn-collision to post-collision tectonic backgrounds.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Compositions: How Lacustrine Environmental Factors Respond in Northwestern and Northeastern China

Surface lake sediments, 28 from Hoh XU, 24 from northeastern China, 99 from Lake Bosten, 31 from Ulungur and 26 from Heihai were collected to determine δ13C and δ18O values. Considering the impact factors, conductivity, alkalinity, pH, TOC, C/N and carbonate-content in the sediments, CI, P, S, and metal element ratios of Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Fe/Mn of bulk sediments as environmental variables enable evaluation of their influences on δ13C and δ18O using principal component analysis （PCA） method. The closure and residence time of lakes can influence the correlation between δ13C and δ18O. Lake water will change from fresh to brackish with increasing reduction and eutrophication effects. Mg/Ca in the bulk sediment indicates the characteristic of residence time, Sr/Ca and Fe/Mn infer the salinity of lakes. Carbonate formation processes and types can influence the 6~3C--~1So correlation. ~180 will be heavier from Mg-calcite and aragonite formed in a high-salinity water body than calcite formed in freshwater conditions. When carbonate content is less than 30%, there is no relationship with either 613C or 6180, and also none between δ13C and δ18O. More than 30%, carbonate content, however, co-varies highly to δ13C and δ18O, and there is also a high correlation between δ13C and δ18O. Vegetation conditions and primary productivity of lakes can influence the characteristics of δ13C and δ18O, and their co-variance. Total organic matter content （TOC） in the sediments is higher with more terrestrial and submerged plants infilling. In northeastern and northwestern China, when organic matter in the lake sediments comes from endogenous floating organisms and algae, the δ13C value is high. δ13C is in the range of-4‰ to 0‰ when organic matter comes mainly from floating organisms （C/N〈6）; in the range of-4‰ to 8‰ when organic matter comes from diatoms （C/N=6 to 8）; and -8‰ to -4‰ when organic matter comes from aquatic and terrestrial plants （C/N〉8）.

He-Ar Isotopic Systematics of Fluid Inclusions in Pyrites from PGEpolymetallic Deposits in Lower Cambrian Black Rock Series, South China

He-Ar isotopic compositions of fluid inclusions trapped in pyrites from some representative PGE-polymetallic deposits in Lower Cambrian black rock series in South China were analyzed by using an inert gas isotopic mass spectrometer. The results show that the ore-forming fluids possess a low 3He/4He ratio, varying from 0.43×10-8 to 26.39×10-8, with corresponding R/Ra value of 0.003-0.189. The 40Ar/36Ar ratios are 258-287, close to those of air saturated water (ASW). He-Ar isotopic indicator studies show that the ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from the formation water or basinal hot brine and sea water, while the content of mantle-derived fluid or deep-derived magmatic water might be negligible. The PGE-polymetallic mineralization might be related to the evolution of the Caledonian miogeosynclines distributed along the southern margin of the Yangtze Craton. During the Early Cambrian, the formation water or basinal hot brine trapped in Caledonian basins which accumulated giant thick sediments was expelled and migrated laterally along strata because of the pressure generated by overlying sediments. The basinal hot brine ascended along faults, mixed with sea water and finally deposited ore minerals.

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 Isotopic Composition of Noble Gases in Gold Deposits and the Source of Ore-Forming Materials in the Region of North Hebei, China

The source of ore\|forming materials has long been a controversial focus both in metallogenic theory and in ore\|searching practice. This study deals with the helium and argon isotopic characteristics of pyrites from 11 gold deposits and some country rocks in the gold mineralization\|concentrated areas within the three mantle\|branch structures in the region of North Hebei Province. It is indicated that \{\}\+3He/\+4He ratios in the gold deposits are within the range of \{0.93×10\+\{-6\}\}-\{7.3×10\+\{-6\}\}, with an average of \{3.55\} ×10\+\{-6\}; R/Ra=\{0.66\}-\{4.93\}, averaging \{2.53\}; \{\{\}\+\{40\}Ar/\+\{39\}Ar\} ratios vary between 426 and 2073, with the average value of \{\}\+\{40\}Ar being \{8.32\}; and the average of \{\}\+4He/\{\}\+\{40\}Ar ratios is 2.17. \{\}\+3He/ \{\}\+4He ratios in gneiss and granite in the periphery of the mining district are within the range of \{0.001×10\+\{-6\}\}-\{0.55×10\+\{-6\}\}, reflecting significant differences in their sources. \{\}\+3He and \{\}\+4He fall near the mantle, as is shown in the He concentration diagram. Studies have shown that the ore\|forming materials in this region should come from the deep interior of the Earth. With the multi\|stage evolution of mantle plume, ore\|forming fluids in the deep interior were moving upwards to shallow levels (crust). Under such circumstances, there would be inevitably occur crust/mantle fluid mixing, so their noble gas isotopic characteristics are intermediate between the mantle and the crust.