Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

© 2017 European Association of Geochemistry. Multiple stable isotope relationships have found a growing variety of uses in geochemistry and cosmochemistry. Approximations to the statistical-mechanical models for predicting isotope effects have led to the notion that mass fractionation laws are constrained to a "canonical" range of possible values. Despite previous work indicating that these mass fractionation exponents can be highly variable, the concept of a constant relationship remains common. In this study, we demonstrate generically that the mass fractionation exponent, θ, can take any value for small fractionations and that these deviations are measurable. In addition, we characterise and advocate the use of the change/difference in cap-delta as a necessary and more reliable descriptor of multiple isotope fractionation relationships. Deviations from the "canonical" range are demonstrated by experimental data in the geochemically relevant haematite-water system.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Geochemical Perspectives Letters

First Page

1

Last Page

11

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