Abstract:

As a useful geochemical tracer, lithium isotope has been used to study some important geological or geochemical issues; recently, the study of Li isotope has become one of the most fast developing fields in geochemistry, especially in the study of continental weathering. In this paper, the authors briefly review the different domains of lithium isotope geochemical research for continental weathering process and the main achievements in each direction. Major research fields are the research of lithium isotopic geochemistry in riverine erosion system, in weathering profile system, and in laboratory experiments, Some results of the above three fields conflict from each other, so it is necessary to research more systematically and more strictly. Finally, the authors pointed out some blind sides in lithium isotope geochemical research nowadays.

Key words:

continental weathering; lithium isotope; fractionation; geochemistry; progress