Seasonal variations in the Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of suspended particulate matter in the lower Changjiang River: Provenance and erosion constraints

Abstract

Suspended particulate matter samples were collected monthly for more than 2 years in Nanjing, China to examine seasonal changes in the Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of the lower Changjiang River (CR). The results indicate that the 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios of the samples ranges from 0.725352 to 0.738128, and the values of e{open} Nd(0) ranges from -10.55 to -12.29. The Sr-Nd isotopic compositions show distinct seasonal variations. The samples had lower 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios and higher e{open} Nd(0) values during the flood season than the dry seasons. The seasonal variations primarily reflect the controls of provenance rocks and erosion in different sub-catchments. The relative decrease in 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios and the increase in e{open} Nd(0) values during the flood season may reflect an increasing in the mechanical erosion rate in the upper basin and the contribution of more sediment from the upper reaches. The end member values of 87Sr/ 86Sr and e{open} Nd(0) of the samples were 0.728254 and -11.26, respectively. © The Author(s) 2011.