BEHAVIOR OF MAJOR SOLUTES DURING CLOSED-BASIN BRINE EVOLUTION

The pronounced chemical fractionation that takes place in hydro logically closed basins between dilute inflow and concentrated brines can be accounted for by a variety of mechanisms. These include mineral precipitation, selective dissolution of efflorescent crusts and sediment coatings, sorption on active surfaces, degassing, and reactions. Major solutes are differentially affected by these mechanisms, and their response may differ from basin to basin. Using data from Lake Magadi, Kenya; Lake Abert, Oreg; Devils Lake, N. Dak; Deep Springs Lake, Calif.; Basque Lake, British Columbia; and Great Salt Lake, Utah, some of these differences can be delineated. -from Authors