『Abstract
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the chemical weathering
rate at Alto Sorocaba basin, Sao(aの頭に〜) Paulo
state, Brazil, as it an important parameter on geomorphological
characterization of continents. Several tools may be used for
such evaluation, and this work compares the results obtained from
analytical data involving the uranium concentration, the 234U/238U
activity patio and the major cation concentration for samples
of waters, soils, and rocks from that basin. The use of the natural
uranium as a tracer in weathering rate rocks studies is advantageous
since this element is virtually absent in rainwater and also allows
obtaining the dissolution rocks coefficient by the 234U/238U
activity ratio. The Alto Sorocaba basin has serious environmental
problems in terms of the quality of the rainwater and river waters,
and, consequently, the geochemical balance using the main cations
presented some difficulties. However, measuring of the weathering
rate utilizing the U-isotopes method corresponded to 14μm/year
that allows estimating a time of 72,000 years to weather 1 m of
rock at Sorocaba River upstream from Itupararanga Reservoir, under
the present climatic conditions.
Keywords: Weathering rate; Hydrogrphic basin; Uranium isotopes』
Introduction
General features of the studied area
Sampling and analytical methods
Discussion
Chemical analyses of rocks and soils
Hydrochemical data for rainwater
Hydrochemical data for river waters
Equations adopted for estimating weathering rates
Weathering rates in the basin
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References