In order to realize this potential, it is necessary to make some detailed studies of natural systems, and to test resulting hypotheses with experiments. We are currently examining Li isotopes in hydrologically closed lake basins, focusing initially on Mono Lake, California, to better understand solute budgets. Mono Lake is located in eastern California, at the foot of the eastern Sierra Nevada, and receives most of its water from Sierran creeks.
Additional sources are from both cold and warm springs near or in the lake.
Additionally, the contrasting residence times will lead to different sensitivities of the systems. The ultimate goal of this study is to investigate chemical change in the lake over time, as recorded by Li, B and Sr isotope compositions and rare earth element patterns of ostracodes and other chemical precipitates. The d 7 Li of meromictic Mono Lake has not changed over our three years of sampling, and the compositions above and below the chemocline are indistinguishable. Although creeks dominate its water budget, springs may be a significant source of solutes to the lake. Sr of 0.7086 to 0.7100, but most spring samples are similar to lake Sr.