Using Ge/Si ratios to decouple iron and silica fluxes in Precambrian banded iron formations

Abstract

Research Article| January 01, 2003 Using Ge/Si ratios to decouple iron and silica fluxes in Precambrian banded iron formations Tristan Hamade; Tristan Hamade 1School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Kurt O. Konhauser; Kurt O. Konhauser 1School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Rob Raiswell; Rob Raiswell 1School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Sarah Goldsmith; Sarah Goldsmith 2Department of Earth Sciences, Cardiff University, P.O. Box 914, Cardiff CF10 3YE, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Richard C. Morris Richard C. Morris 3Division of Exploration Geoscience, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Wembley, WA 6014, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2003) 31 (1): 35–38. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2003)031<0035:UGSRTD>2.0.CO;2 Article history received: 14 May 2002 rev-recd: 10 Sep 2002 accepted: 12 Sep 2002 first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Tristan Hamade, Kurt O. Konhauser, Rob Raiswell, Sarah Goldsmith, Richard C. Morris; Using Ge/Si ratios to decouple iron and silica fluxes in Precambrian banded iron formations. Geology 2003;; 31 (1): 35–38. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(2003)031<0035:UGSRTD>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Banded iron formations are prominent sedimentary deposits of the Precambrian, yet the source of their silica remains unresolved. Here we show that Ge/Si ratios preserved in banded iron formation chert layers are indicative of weathering of continental landmass. This conflicts with the accumulation of evidence suggesting that chemical components were sourced at mid-ocean-ridge hydrothermal systems. Instead, it implies that the sources of silica and iron were decoupled during banded iron formation deposition, silica being dominantly derived from weathering of continental landmass and iron having a hydrothermal origin. Thus, the chemistry within banded iron formation depositional basins underwent clear switching that varied on a periodic basis and is recorded in the alternation of iron- to silica-rich layers. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.