The distribution of lithium in nature and the application of lithium isotope tracing

Abstract

In recent years, with the advancement of isotope analysis methods, lithium isotopes have been widely used in tracing geological processes. This article introduces the unique geochemical properties of lithium and the lithium content and isotope characteristics in all kinds of natural geological reservoirs, and analyzes the fractionation mechanism of lithium isotope in the geological process which happened on the surface and the inner part of the earth. Further, this article summarizes and analyzes the application of lithium isotopes in tracing continental chemical weathering and slab subduction process, and discusses the distribution of lithium among various reservoirs in the light of the material circulation process on the surface and underground.