Lithium in the deep earth: Mantle and crustal systems

Abstract

Chapter 5 summarizes the current status of Li isotopic research in the Earth's mantle and derivative melts as well as magmatic and metamorphic rocks of Earth's crust. During the last decade a number of studies investigated samples from a range of settings and there is now better understanding of processes which drive Li isotopic fractionations at magmatic to sub-magmatic temperatures. Although this endeavor into the inner Earth is far from complete, comprehension of processes taking place in the mantle, during mantle melting, metasomatism, large-scale volcanism, and formation of crust has in recent years substantially increased. We focus on these major Earth reservoirs where Li predominantly resides.