Structural and optical properties of Er3+ doped SiO2-Al2O3-GeO2 compounds prepared by a simple route

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(Table 2) Geochemistry of glasses at DSDP Leg 54 Holes

The compositions of 45 natural basalt glasses from nine dredge stations and six Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 54 sites near 9°N on the East Pacific Rise have been determined by electron microprobe. These comprise 19 distinct chemical groups. Seventeen of these fall in the range of the eastern Pacific tholeiite suite, which is characterized by marked enrichment in FeO*, TiO2, K2O, and P2O5 as CaO, MgO, and Al2O3 all decrease. Based on trace elements, an estimated 50-75 per cent fractionation of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and olivine is required to produce ferrobasalts from parental olivine tholeiites. Additional chemical variations occur which require source heterogeneities, differences in the degree of melting, different courses of shallow fractionation, or magma mixing to explain. Glass compositions from within the Siqueiros fracture zone are mostly less fractionated than those from the flanks of the Rise, and show chemical differences which require variations in the depth of melting or highpressure fractionation to explain. Some of them could not be parental to East Pacific Rise flank ferrobasalts. Two remaining glass groups, from dredge hauls atop a ridge and a seamount, respectively, have distinctly higher K2O, P2O5, and TiO2 as well as lower CaO/Al2O3 and SiO2 at corresponding values of MgO than the tholeiite suite. These abundances, and whole-rock Y/Zr, Ce/Y, Nb/Zr, and isotopic abundances indicate that these basalts had a deeper, less depleted mantle source than the Rise tholeiite suite. Trace element abundances preclude the "ridge" basalt type from being a hybrid between the "seamount" basalt type and any East Pacific Rise tholeiite so far analyzed. The East Pacific Rise glasses from 9°N compare very closely to glasses dredged and drilled elsewhere on the East Pacific Rise. However, glass compositions from Site 424 on the Galapagos Rift drilled during Leg 54, as well as glasses and basalts dredged from the Galapagos and Costa Rica rifts, indicate that a greater degree of melting prevailed along much of the Galapagos Spreading Center than anywhere along the East Pacific Rise.

Catalisadores Ni/MgO-SiO2 aplicados na reação de reforma a vapor de glicerol

Catalisadores de Ni (10% em massa) suportado em matrizes mistas MgO-SiO2 foram aplicados na reação de reforma a vapor de glicerol. Os efeitos do teor de MgO como aditivo e do método de preparação foram avaliados frente às propriedades físico-químicas e texturais dos materiais; assim como à atividade, seletividade, estabilidade e formação de carbono na reforma a vapor do glicerol. Os catalisadores foram preparados com diferentes teores mássicos de MgO (10%, 30% e 50%) sobre SiO2 comercial, utilizando processo via seca (mistura física) e via úmida (impregnação sequencial com diferentes solventes: água, etanol e acetona). Foram utilizadas as técnicas de caracterização de espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X, fisissorção de nitrogênio, difratometria de raios X, termogravimetria, difratometria de raios X in situ com O2, redução a temperatura programada com H2, difratometria de raios X in situ com H2, dessorção a temperatura programada com H2 e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Foi observado que o Ni(II) interage de forma variada com os suportes com diferentes teores de MgO, e que a polaridade do solvente de impregnação utilizado no processo de preparação influencia as propriedades dos catalisadores. A fim de verificar a atividade, seletividade e deposição de carbono; os catalisadores foram testados na reação de reforma a vapor de glicerol a 600oC, por um período de 5h e razão molar água:glicerol de 12:1. Após as reações, os catalisadores foram novamente submetidos às análises de termogravimetria, difratometria de raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, visando a caracterização dos depósitos de carbono obtidos durante o processo catalítico. Os catalisadores de matrizes mistas se mostraram ativos e apresentaram seletividades similares para os produtos gasosos CH4, CO e CO2, além de um alto rendimento em H2. Observou-se que a adição de MgO no suporte, aumentou a dispersão do Ni(II) no material, que por sua vez, influenciou na quantidade de carbono depositado ao longo da reação. A polaridade do solvente de impregnação também teve influência na dispersão metálica, sendo que, quanto menor a polaridade do solvente, maior foi a dispersão obtida no catalisador, e menor a deposição de carbono na reação. O material que apresentou o melhor desempenho catalítico frente ao rendimento de H2 e à deposição de carbono, foi o catalisador preparado com 30% de MgO com etanol como solvente de impregnação.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) from Mixed MgO and Al2O3: LDH Formation Mechanism

The formation of MgA1 layered double hydroxide (LDH) from physically mixed MgO and Al2O3 oxides upon hydrothermal treatment has been extensively investigated, and a formation mechanism has been proposed. We observed that the formation of LDH from the oxide mixture occurs upon heating at 110 degreesC. In general, LDH is the major component while the minor phases are mainly determined by the initial pH of the oxide suspension as well as the MgO/Al2O3 ratio. The neutrality in the initial suspension results in a minor Mg(OH)(2) as the impure phase, while the alkalinity in the suspension keeps some MgO unreacted throughout the whole hydrothermal treatment. We suggest that MgO and Al2O3 be hydrated into Mg(OH)(2) and Al(OH)(3), respectively, in the initial stage for all samples. We further Suggest that in the neutral condition Mg(OH)2 be quickly dissociated to Mg2+ and OH- which then deposit on the surface of Al(OH)(3)/Al2O3 to form a M-Al pre-LDH material. Al(OH)(4)(-), ionized from Al(OH)(3) in the basic solution, deposits on the surface of Mg(OH)(2)/MgO to result in a similar MgAl pre-LDH material. Such a pre-LDH material is then well crystallized upon continuous heating via the diffusion of metal ions in the solid lattice. Such a dissociation-deposition-diffusion mechanism via two pathways has been supported by the phase composition, morphological features of crystallites, and [Mg]/[Al] ratios on the crystallite surface. and presumably applied to the general formation of LDHs with various synthetic methods. Such as coprecipitation, homogeneous preparation, and reconstruction.

一批中国古代镶嵌玻璃珠化学成分的检测报告

结合外束质子激发X荧光（proton induced X-ray emission,PIXE）和能量色散X射线荧光（energy dispersive X-ray emission,EDXRF）分析技术,对中国新疆、湖北、四川、广东出土的古代镶嵌玻璃珠的化学成分进行了检测.结果表明：新疆拜城克孜尔墓地出土的西周-春秋时期镶嵌玻璃珠为CaO-MgO-SiO2玻璃,战国时期中国境内的PbO-BaO-SiO2和Na2O-CaO-SiO2镶嵌玻璃珠是同时存在的.本文亦对相关问题进行了一些讨论,并提出了部分今后的工

热带亚热带季风气候条件下表生成矿地球化学－以个旧和老挝Nameung、Boloven地区为例

在前人对热带亚热带季风型气候条件下云南个旧砂矿、老挝Xaymomboun特区Ban Nameung铜多金属矿和Champasak省Boloven高原玄武岩等研究成果基础上，采用典型表生矿床实证解剖思路，选择个旧白云岩风化剖面、锡铅砂矿、锰结核、砂矿重选流程、Ban Nameung硫化氧化矿和Boloven玄武岩风化壳等对象，通过岩矿鉴定、主量微量元素地球化学、稀土元素地球化学、人工重砂、化学物相和微区分析等研究手段，研究这些矿床表生成矿物质来源、成矿机理、矿床地球化学特征和矿物工业可利用性等内容，并探索热带亚热带季风型气候条件下典型矿床表生成矿三个问题：（1）Sn、Pb、Mn、Ag、REE、Nb、Ta、Ga和Cd等元素表生富集成矿（矿化）规律；（2）上述元素成矿机理和工业利用可能性；（3）典型矿床其他20几种元素表生贫化与富集规律。研究获得如下主要认识： 1. 个旧地区燕山期以来持续抬升和亚热带季雨林的表生环境，使个旧地区大面积出露的碳酸盐岩风化形成强烈岩溶地貌，碳酸盐岩风化过程中CaO和MgO大量淋失，为砂矿提供了巨大容矿空间，同时碳酸盐地区碱性环境有利于原生硫化矿分解。含矿或不含矿白云岩、花岗岩、玄武岩、夕卡岩和原生硫化矿石等风化形成粘土矿物和铁锰氧化物，释放出Sn、Pb、Mn、Ga、Cd、Ag、In、Cu和Zn等元素，难风化重矿物如锡石表生残留富集，而粘土矿物和铁锰氧化物对成矿元素吸附是砂矿表生成因机理之一。 2. 个旧地区岩溶型砂矿形成机理为：（1）原生重矿物残留富集成矿，如锡石、磁铁矿。（2）金属硫化物残留成矿，如砂矿中残存大量方铅矿、黄铜矿、黄铁矿，是原生硫化物残留结果。（3）表生矿物富集成矿，如白铅矿、孔雀石、自然铅和自然铜等富集。（4）铁锰氧化物吸附和包裹成矿，如铁锰氧化物吸附Pb和Ga等元素，包裹含Pb和Zn微粒矿物。（5）锰结核吸附包裹成矿，锰结核吸附和包裹Sn、Pb和Cu等元素和微粒矿物。（6）类质同象成矿，如Ga和Al类质同象，Cd和Zn等类质同象成矿。（7）岩溶作用成矿，岩溶落水洞或溶洞内水流冲刷使锡石等重矿物富集成矿。元素表生成矿不仅是单一成矿作用结果，而是综合作用结果，如Pb有表生矿物富集成矿，也有铁锰氧化物吸附成矿。 3. 砂矿中锰结核是锰铁结核，主要成分为Fe2O3 、Al2O3、SiO2和MnO等，包裹了赤铁矿、方解石、云母、石英、蒙脱石、高岭石、白云石、钾长石等和锡石、白铅矿等矿物。锰结核中Mn、Sn、Pb、Ag、Ga、Cd和In富集成矿，Cu和Zn富集矿化，锰结核比砂矿更富集Mn、Pb和REE，其成矿机理应是吸附和包裹成矿元素或矿物使其富集成矿。 4. 个旧表生砂矿共生伴生组分复杂，有用矿物有锡石、方铅矿、白铅矿、黄铜矿、自然铅、自然铜、孔雀石、软锰矿、白钨矿、磁铁矿和褐铁矿等。模拟岩溶作用自然过程中砂矿矿物流向的源兴采选车间砂矿重选流程结果表明，锡铅精矿中Pb、Ga、Mo、Cd、In、Cu和Zn等金属总实收率仅为3.03％～6.44％，绝大部分金属留在了尾矿中。一段床和矿泥床分析中，Ag和Mn回收率低于0.66％～0.29％，Ag富集在硫化物态中，没有富集在铁锰氧化物态中；Mn富集在碳酸盐态中，没有铁锰氧化物态中。整个流程中Pb、Mn、Cu和Zn等富集在碳酸盐态矿物中，没有富集在硫化物态中。选矿流程没有利用具有潜在利用价值矿物如磁铁矿。重选流程解释了岩溶过程能富集Pb、Mn、Cu和Zn的碳酸盐矿物，不能富集这些元素的硫化矿物。 5. 老挝Ban Nameung硫化矿氧化初期，风化产物中Ag、Pb、Zn和Cu淋失，SiO2、K2O和CaO富集，风化后期Ag、Fe和Mn富集。硫化矿风化过程中，Au硫化物态部分变为有机态和铁锰氧化物态；Ag硫化物态部分变为铁锰氧化物态和有机态；Cu硫化物态部分变为铁锰氧化物态和碳酸盐态；Pb硫化物态、吸附态、碳酸盐态和铁锰氧化物态部分变为铁锰氧化物态、碳酸盐态和有机态；Zn硫化物态变为部分铁锰氧化物态、有机态、碳酸盐态和吸附态矿物。随着风化作用加强，上述几种相态比例还会改变。 6. 老挝Boloven新生代亚碱性玄武岩富Nb、Ta和Ga等微量元素，风化壳中REE、Nb、Ta和Ga已富集成矿，∑REE最高775×10-6～1003×10-6，（Nb2O5＋Ta2O5）最高642×10-6~656×10-6，Ga最高81.6 ×10-6。风化壳中达到边界品位的（Nb2O5＋Ta2O5）厚度有2m以上。REE可能存在于含P和Ti矿物中，也可能形成REE独立矿物。Nb、Ta和Ga应赋存在Ti、U、Zr和Th矿物中，其成矿应是重矿物表生残留富集结果，与粘土矿物吸附和三水铝石关系不紧密。

A comparative evaluation of the CF:CS and CRS models in Pb-210 chronological studies applied to hydrographic basins in Brazil

The Constant Flux: Constant Sedimentation (CF:CS) and Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) of unsupported/excess Pb-210 models have been applied to a Pb-210 data set providing of eighteen sediments profiles sampled at four riverine systems occurring in Brazil, South America: Corumbatai River basin (S1=Site 1, Sao Paulo State), Atibaia River basin (S2=Site 2, Sao Paulo State), Ribeirao dos Bagres basin (S3=Site 3, Sao Paulo State) and Amazon River mouth. (S4=Site 4, Amapa State). These sites were chosen for a comparative evaluation of the performance of the CF:CS and CRS models due to their pronounced differences on the geographical location, geological context, soil composition, biodiversity, climate, rainfall, and water flow regime, among other variable aspects. However, all sediments cores exhibited a common denominator consisting on a database built from the use of the same techniques for acquiring the sediments major chemical composition (SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, CaO, MgO, Fe2O3, MnO, P2O5, TiO2 and LOI-Loss on Ignition) and unsupported/excess 210Pb activity data. In terms of sedimentation rates, the performance of the CRS model was better than that of the CF:CS model as it yielded values more compatible with those expected from field evidences. Under the chronological point of view, the CRS model always provided ages within the permitted range of the Pb-210-method in the studied sites, whereas the CF:CS model predicted some values above 150 years. The SiO2 content decreased in accordance with the LOI increase in all cores analyzed and such inverse relationship was also tracked in the SiO2-LOI curves of historical trends. The SiO2-LOI concentration fluctuations in sites S1 and S3 also coincided with some Cu and Cr inputs in the drainage systems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic mineralogy and geochemistry of ODP Holes 137-504B and 140-504B samples

Leg 140 of the Ocean Drilling Program deepened Hole 504B to a total depth of 2000.4 m below seafloor (mbsf), making it the deepest hole drilled into ocean crust. Site 504, south of the Costa Rica Rift, is considered the most important in-situ reference section for the structure of shallow ocean crust. We present the results of studies of magnetic mineralogy and magnetic properties of Hole 504B upper crustal rocks recovered during Legs 137 and 140. Results from this sample set are consistent with those discussed in Pariso et al. (this volume) from Legs 111, 137, and 140. Coercivity (Hc) ranges from 5.3 to 27.7 mT (mean 12 mT), coercivity of remanence (HCR) ranges from 13.3 to 50.6 mT (mean 26 mT), and the ratio HCR/HC ranges from 1.6 to 3.19 (mean 2.13). Saturation magnetization (JS) ranges from 0.03 to 5.94 * 10**-6 Am**2, (mean 2.52 * 10**-6 Am**2), saturation remanence (JR) ranges from 0.01 to 0.58 * 10**-6 Am2 (mean 0.37 * 10**-6 Am**2), and the ratio JR/JS ranges from 0.08 to 0.29 (mean 0.16), consistent with pseudo-single-domain behavior. Natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensity ranges from 0.029 to 7.18 A/m (mean 2.95 A/m), whereas RM10 intensity varies only from 0.006 to 4.8 A/m and has a mean of only 1.02 A/m. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) intensity ranges from 0.04 to 6.0 A/m, with a mean of 2.46 A/m, and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) intensity ranges from 0.5 to 1683 A/m, with a mean of 430.7 A/m. Volume susceptibility ranges from 0.0003 to 0.043 SI (mean 0.011 SI). In all samples examined, high-temperature oxidation of primary titanomagnetite has produced lamellae or pods of magnetite and ilmenite. Hydrothermal alteration has further altered the minerals in some samples to a mixture of magnetite, ilmenite, titanite, and a high-titanium mineral (either rutile or anatase). Electron microprobe analyses show that magnetite lamellae are enriched in the trivalent oxides Cr2O3, Al2O3, and V2O5, whereas divalent oxides (MnO and MgO) are concentrated in ilmenite lamellae.

Chemical composition of clay minerals from ODP Leg 168 sites

The exchangeable cation compositions of organic-poor terrigenous sediments containing smectite as primary ion exchanger from a series of holes along ODP Leg 168 transect on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge have been examined as a function of distance from the ridge axis and burial depth. The total cation exchange capacity (CEC) values of the sediments ranged from 2 to 59 meq/100 g, increasing with increases in the wt.% smectite. At the seafloor, the exchangeable cation compositions involving Na, K, Mg, and Ca, expressed in terms of equivalent fraction, are nearly constant regardless of the different transect sites: XNa = 0.21 ± 0.04, XK = 0.08 ± 0.01, XMg = 0.33 ± 0.09, and XCa = 0.38 ± 0.09. The calculated selectivity coefficients of the corresponding quaternary exchange reactions, calculated using porewater data, are in log units -5.45 ± 0.39 for Na, 1.97 ± 0.49 for K, 0.42 ± 0.41 for Mg, and 3.06 ± 0.69 for Ca. The exchangeable cation compositions below the seafloor change systematically with distance from the ridge crest and burial depth, conforming to the trends of the same cations in the porewaters. The selectivities for Na and Mg are roughly constant at temperatures from 2 to 66°C, indicating that the equivalent fractions of these two cations are independent of sediment alteration taking place on the ridge flank. Unlike Na and Mg, the temperature influence is significant for K and Ca, with Ca-selectivity decreases being coupled with increases in K-selectivity. Although potentially related to diagenetic and/or hydrothermal mineral precipitation or recrystallization, no evidence of such alteration was detected by XRD and TEM. In sites where upwelling of hydrothermal fluids from basement is occurring, the K-selectivity of the sediment is appreciably higher than at the other sites and corresponds to the formation of (Fe, Mg) rich smectite and zeolites. Our study indicates that local increases in K-selectivity at hydrothermal sites are caused by the formation of these authigenic minerals.

Geochemistry of low-temperatuer altered basalts of ODP Hole 136-843B

The mineralogy and chemistry of altered basalts and the stable isotopic compositions of secondary vein carbonates were studied in cores from Ocean Drilling Program Hole 843B, located in 95-Ma crust of the Hawaiian Arch. Millimeter- to centimeter-sized dark alteration halos around veins are 5%-15% altered to celadonite and Fe-oxyhydroxides, plus minor saponite and calcite. Adjacent gray host rocks are about 15% altered to saponite and calcite. The dark halos are enriched in H2O+, CO2, FeT, K2O, MnO, and Fe3+/FeT and depleted in SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, and TiO2 relative to gray host rocks. Brown alteration halos occur around veins where veins are more abundant, and are similar to dark halos, but contain more Fe-oxyhydroxides and exhibit greater Fe2O3T contents and higher Fe3+/FeT. Stable isotopic compositions of vein carbonates are consistent with their precipitation from seawater at temperatures of 5°-40°C. Crosscutting relationships of veins and zoned vein and vesicle fillings reveal a sequence of secondary mineral formation and alteration conditions. Celadonite and Fe-oxyhydroxides formed and dark alteration halos developed relatively early, under oxidizing conditions at low temperatures (<50°C). Saponite formed later at lower seawater/rock ratios and under more reducing conditions. Calcite and pyrite formed last in veins and vesicles from more evolved, seawaterderived fluids at temperatures of 5°-40°C. A second stage of celadonite, with compositions distinct from the early celadonite, also occurred relatively late (within the "calcite stage"), and may be related to refracturing of the crust and introduction of less-evolved seawater solutions into the rocks. Trends to higher K2O contents are attributed to alteration, but high K/Ti, Ba, and Zr contents indicate the presence of enriched or transitional MORB. CO2 contents of Pacific ODP cores exhibit a general increase with age suggesting progressive fixation of CO2 as calcite in the crust, but this could be complicated by local heterogeneities in fracturing and calcite formation in the crust.

Geochemistry at DSDP Hole 57-439

Acidic to intermediate volcanic rocks were obtained as boulders, pebbles, and clasts with intercalated matrix sediments near the Japan Trench. A 47.5-meter conglomerate bed unconformably overlies acoustic basement consisting of Upper Cretaceous siltstone and is overlain in turn by massive coarse-sandstone and siltstone beds with many fossil mollusks. The volcanic cobbles and boulders in the conglomerate show pronounced porphyritic texture. Their phenocrysts are plagioclase, hornblende, and biotite; the groundmass consists of plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz, iron oxide, and altered interstitial glass. The Plagioclase content of these volcanic rocks is very high, whereas iron oxide minerals are rare. The chemical composition of these volcanic rocks was analyzed to determine the rock series. Matrix sediments were also analyzed chemically, and their chemical composition was found to be similar to that of volcanic rocks, except for a lower CaO content. SiO2 content of the volcanic rocks ranges from 60.23 to 73.90, corresponding to that of andesite to rhyolite. All the samples show extremely high Al2O3 content, which reflects the high amounts of modal plagioclase. These volcanic rocks belong to both the calc-alkalic and tholeiitic rock series, and the differentiation trend is controlled by fractional crystallization, mainly of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and hornblende. The assemblage of calc-alkalic and tholeiitic rock series is frequently observed in island arcs and active continental margins. These volcanic rocks are derived from the Oyashio ancient landmass, which is a slightly matured island arc.

Chemical composition and elemental oxide ratios to AI2O3 of bulk solids at DSDP Leg 64 Holes

Analyses of sediments from Leg 64 sites reveal a diverse and in one case unique geochemistry. Sites are characterized by high heat flow along an active, divergent plate boundary, or rapid accumulation of diatom muds, or both. The geochemical trends of Sites 474-476 at the tip of Baja California reflect changes4n the percentages of sedimentary components - particularly biogenous matter and mineralogy - that support interpretations of sedimentary environments inferred to be present since the commencement of subsidence along this young, passive continental margin. The sediments below dolerite sills in Holes 477, 477A, 478, and 481 show major mineralogic and chemical deviations from "average" hemipelagic sediments. The sills appear to have two functions: (1) they allow hydrothermal circulation and metamorphism in a partially closed system by trapping heat and fluids emanating from below, and (2) they expel heated interstitial fluids at the moment of intrusion and mobilize elements, most likely leading to the formation of metalliferous deposits along the surface traces of normal faults in the basin. The hydrothermal system as a whole appears to be localized and ephemeral, as is indicated by the lack of similar geochemical trends and high heat flow at Sites 478 and 481. Site 479 illustrates sedimentation in an oxygen-minimum zone with anoxic sediments and concomitant geochemical trends, especially for MnO. With few exceptions, geochemical trends are remarkably constant with depth, suggesting that Site 479 can serve as an "internal" standard or average sediment against which the magnitude of hydrothermal alteration at the basinal Sites 477, 478, and 481 can be measured.

Ordinary and duplicate analysis from major and trace elements of ODP Holes 146-888B and 168-1027B

Oceanic sediments deposited at high rate close to continents are dominated by terrigenous material. Aside from dilution by biogenic components, their chemical compositions reflect those of nearby continental masses. This study focuses on oceanic sediments coming from the juvenile Canadian Cordillera and highlights systematic differences between detritus deriving from juvenile crust and detritus from old and mature crust. We report major and trace element concentrations for 68 sediments from the northernmost part of the Cascade forearc, drilled at ODP Sites 888 and 1027. The calculated weighted averages for each site can then be used in the future to quantify the contribution of subducted sediments to Cascades volcanism. The two sites have similar compositions but Site 888, located closer to the continent, has higher sandy turbidite contents and displays higher bulk SiO2/Al2O3 with lower bulk Nb/Zr, attributed to the presence of zircons in the coarse sands. Comparison with published data for other oceanic sedimentary piles demonstrates the existence of systematic differences between modern sediments deriving from juvenile terranes (juvenile sediments) and modern sediments derived from mature continental areas (cratonic sediments). The most striking systematic difference is for Th/Nb, Th/U, Nb/U and Th/Rb ratios: juvenile sediments have much lower ratios than cratonic sediments. The small enrichment of Th over Nb in cratonic sediments may be explained by intracrustal magmatic and metamorphic differentiation processes. In contrast, their elevated Th/U and Nb/U ratios (average values of 6.87 and 7.95, respectively) in comparison to juvenile sediments (Th/U ~ 3.09, Nb/U ~ 5.15) suggest extensive U and Rb losses on old cratons. Uranium and Rb losses are attributed to long-term leaching by rain and river water during exposure of the continental crust at the surface. Over geological times, the weathering effects create a slow but systematic increase of Th/U with exposure time.