Oxygen isotope study on the hydrothermal alteration in the Wolf River Batholith, Wisconsin in U.S.A

  • Published : 1993.09.01

Abstract

Oxygen isotope compositions of whole rock and/or mineral separates (quartz and feldspar) have been determined for the granitic and related rocks from the Wolf River Batholith, Wisconsin. Hydrothermal alteration resulting in the decrease of ${\Delta}_{Q-F}$/ values was obaserved locally throughout the batholith. Feldspars of different colors (pink, gray and red) were separated whenever feasible and analyzed. Most red feldspars (An$_{10-30}$/) show the highest and constant ${\delta}^18O$/ values (9.3~10.0 permil) suggesting nearly complete isotope exchange with hydrothermal fluid. Based on ${\delta}^18O$/ values and the alteration temperatures (260~$350^{\circ}C$) estimated from fluid inclusion study, ${\delta}^18O$/ of fluid is calculated to be $5.0{\pm}1.4$ permil. Phanerozoic sedimentary formation water in Wisconsin is most likely the source of the fluid.

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