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Isotopic Fractionation of U in Rocks Reflecting Redox Conditions around a Groundwater Flow Route

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Abstract

Low234U/238U activity ratios observed in rock and mineral samples were scrutinized. U isotope fractionation leading to234U depletion (234U/238U<1) in rocks appears to be linked to changes in redox conditions. The fractionation takes place as selective chemical release dominates over direct physical μ recoil. This preferential234U release depends on the valence contrast between the U isotopes,238U occurring in +4 form and ingrown234U, due to oxidizing microenvironment, in +6 form. Observed U isotopic fractionation combined with other uranium series disequilibrium measurements provides a tool for locating redox fronts formed as a result low temperature rock-groundwater interaction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki, Finland

    Juhani Suksi

  2. VTT Energy, Espoo, Finland

    Kari Rasilainen

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  1. Juhani Suksi
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  2. Kari Rasilainen
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Suksi, J., Rasilainen, K. Isotopic Fractionation of U in Rocks Reflecting Redox Conditions around a Groundwater Flow Route. MRS Online Proceedings Library 663, 961 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-663-961

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-663-961

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