Sr Isotopic Composition of Saline Waters and Host Rock in the Eye-Dashwa Lakes Pluton, Atikokan, Ontario

Abstract

<p> Groundwater samples from seven boreholes at the Atikokan research area, northwestern Ontario, have been analysed to determine their Sr content and isotopic composition. Whole rock and mineral separates have also been analysed. The groundwaters can be broadly divided into two groups. The 'shallow' waters have low Sr content and high and variable isotopic ratios (.705 - .728) while the 'deep' Sr-rich saline groundwaters have low and constant 87Sr/86Sr ratios (.706 - .707). The saline waters are in isotopic equilibrium with plagioclase and the role of other major rock forming minerals in controlling the isotopic and chemical composition of these waters is negligible. Gypsum is in isotopic equilibrium with the saline waters and appears to be 'young'.</p> <p> The degree of water-plagioclase interaction appears to have been extensive implying low water/rock ratios (ie., 'closed' system. The chemistry of the Atikokan groundwaters is similar to several Shield mine waters. If seawater was a precursor of these waters, there is no evidence for it today. Some degree of mixing with surface waters is indicated in all samples. </p> <p> The granites of the Eye-Dashwa lakes pluton are very Sr-rich. This is reflected in the low isotopic ratios of plagioclase and other minerals and in turn in the low ratios for the saline groundwaters, which are some of the lowest values yet reported.</p>