Reducing ambiguity in isotopic studies using a multi-tracer approach

摘要

Naturally-occurring radiogenic and stable isotope tracers are commonly used in studies of water-rock interaction to provide both process and water/solute source information. Several isotope tracers have been proposed as diagnostic process indicators, and have been used for that purpose without a full understanding of important factors controlling their behavior such as isotope distributions and fractionation mechanisms. Experience shows that these initially promising isotope tracers considered alone are likely to provide ambiguous interpretations, and that additional geochemical and/or isotopic constraints are required. Isotope data must be considered in a multi-tracer context if potential ambiguity is to be minimized.