Lead and strontium isotopes in rocks of the Absaroka volcanic field, Wyoming
The Absaroka volcanic field is comprised of predominant andesitic volcaniclastic rocks and less abundant potassium-rich mafic lavas (shoshonites and absarokites). Strontium and lead isotopic variations preclude a simple derivation from an isotopically uniform source: Sr 87 /Sr 86 , 0.7042 to 0.7090; Pb 206 /Pb 204 , 16.31 to 17.30; Pb 208 /Pb 204 , 36.82 to 37.64. We postulate that these rocks were derived from a lower crust or upper mantle which underwent a preferential loss of uranium relative to lead approximately 2800±200 m.y. ago. Variations in lead and strontium isotopic compositions are thought to reflect small inhomogeneities in U/Pb and Rb/Sr ratios in the source.
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