12 5 v 1 6 N ov 2 00 0 WIYN 1 Open Cluster Study 5 . Lithium Depletion and Metallicity in G and K Dwarfs of the Open Cluster

We present an analysis of high quality spectra of members of the young cluster M35. By using a multi-fiber spectrograph, we are able to collect high signal–to–noise, high resolution spectra of a sample of photometric candidate members. Accurate radial velocities are used to establish the membership status and rotational velocities are measured using cross-correlation. We also derive the metal content of the cluster, [Fe/H]M35=–0.21±0.10, based on spectral synthesis. Finally, we derive the lithium abundances of the bona fide cluster members and compare the results with members of other clusters. For example, M35 shows a smaller range in both rotation rates and lithium abundances as compared to the Pleiades. We discuss possible roles of various parameters. Our high quality M35 database of lithium abundances and rotational velocities are perfectly suited to be used as a laboratory to test theoretical models dealing with the lithium depletion phenomenon. We discuss the role of stellar inhomogeneities and rotation on the lithium depletion phenomenon. Subject headings: stars: abundances – stars: late-type – open clusters and associations: M35, NGC 2168