Lithium and Sr isotopic composition of salar deposits in the Central Andes across space and time: the Salar de Pozuelos, Argentina

Abstract The Central Andes of South America host the largest known lithium resources in a confined area, but primary sources salar deposits and mobilisation process are still matter speculation. Chemical weathering at or near surface leaching hydrothermal systems active magmatic arc considered two main mechanisms Li extraction from source rock. strontium isotope composition typical offer insights into processes on how brine Andean evaporites formed. Data Salar de Pozuelos indicate near-surface chemical cold dry climate as dominant Li, with evaporation being responsible for enrichment. Cenozoic ignimbrites favoured rock subordinate additions Palaeozoic basement. identification rocks is supported by radiogenic Nd Pb stable B data deposits. A comparison other salt Altiplano-Puna Plateau its western foothills places an endmember solubilisation only minor Li.