Stable and radiogenic isotope composition of salar deposits in the Central Andes

Chemical weathering at or near the surface and leaching in hydrothermal systems of the active magmatic arc are considered as the two main mechanisms of Li extraction from the source rock. The lithium and strontium isotope composition of typical salar deposits offer insights into the processes on how Li brine deposits in Andean evaporites are formed.

Data from the Salar de Pozuelos indicate surface near chemical weathering in a cold and dry climate as the dominant mobilization process of Li, with evaporation being responsible for the enrichment. The Cenozoic ignimbrites are the favourite source rock for the Li, with subordinate additions from the Palaeozoic basement. The identification of the source rocks is supported by radiogenic Nd and Pb, and stable B isotope data from salar deposits.