Preliminary investigation of rubidium distribution in the Grove Mountains area, East Antarctica

• Main Authors: Yan, Li, Feixin, Huang
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Polar Research Institute of China - PRIC 2018
• Subjects: Terrestrial; East Antarctica; Harding; Grove Mountains; Mount Harding; Zakharoff Ridge; Black Nunataks; Gale Escarpment; Mason Peaks; Advances in Polar Science; Antarc*; Antarctica; Polar Science
• Online Access: http://library.arcticportal.org/2660/; http://library.arcticportal.org/2660/1/A1802007.pdf

We analyzed rock samples from the Grove Mountains in Antarctica to determine the distribution of rubidium (Rb) in that location. We collected samples from the Black Nunataks, Melvoldt Nunataks, Mason Peaks, Zakharoff Ridge, Mount Harding, and the northern Gale Escarpment. Geochemical analysis indicated that in some samples the amount of Rb was higher than 300 ppm. This suggests that rocks from the Grove Mountains are rich in Rb. Based on field observations and previous research, we speculate that mica and potash feldspar from moyite, granite gneiss, and felsic pegmatite are the primary carrier minerals of Rb. However, further research is necessary to confirm this speculation.