Magnesium isotope fractionation during surficial processes

With the advent of analytical technique and mass spectrometry, non-traditional stable isotopes have been widely used in earth and environmental sciences. However, little studies have been conducted in South Korea. Magnesium (Mg) isotopes can be used as a tracer for understanding global climate change, seawater chemistry and nutrient cycling in soil. To this end, Mg isotope fractionation during geological Mg cycling should be quantified. This review introduces major factors (primary mineral dissolution, secondary mineral formation, adsorption, plant uptake and carbonate mineral precipitation) causing Mg isotope fractionation during surficial processes. This review also introduces the principle of Mg isotopes and analytical methods. Finally, recent studies are reviewed in order to see how and to what extent Mg isotope fractionation would occur according to each factor.