Rare Earth and Major Elements Geochemistry of Geothermal Waters from Mutnovsky Volcano, Kamchatka

Research on Mutnovsky Volcano's geothermal waters reveals that rare earth element (REE) concentrations vary significantly with water type, peaking in calcium-sulfate (Ca-SO₄) waters. The study highlights the critical role of pH in influencing REE content and fractionation, offering new insights into the geochemical behavior of these elements in volcanic environments. Investigators analyzed major ions and REEs across different hot springs to assess their distribution patterns and environmental controls. This work contributes to understanding the complex interactions between hydrothermal systems and volcanic processes, with implications for both academic research and conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kamchatka's volcanoes.

Chudaev, O. V., Chelnokov, G. A., Bragin, I. V., Kharitonova, N. A., Rychagov, S. N., Nuzhdaev, A. A., & Nuzhdaev, I. A. (2017). Rare Earth and Major Elements Geochemistry of Geothermal Waters from Mutnovsky Volcano, Kamchatka. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 17, 92–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeps.2016.12.007