Distribution of rare earth elements of granitic regolith under the influence of climate

The distribution and anomalies of rare earth elements (REEs) of granitic regolith were studied in Inner Mongolia and Hainan Island, China. One profile showed slight REE enrichment of an upper layer and no obvious light REE/heavy REE (LREE/HREE) fractionation (LaN/YbN of 0.9). The second profile was significantly enriched in REEs and enriched in LREEs in the upper portion (LaN/YbN > 1.8). Eu, Ce, and Gd anomalies of the two profiles are different. Slightly negative Eu, Ce, and Gd anomalies in NMG-3-1 indicate slow dissolution of primary minerals and little secondary products; in contrast, a positive Eu anomaly in HN-2 suggests the vegetation cycle may contribute to soil. The Ce anomaly of HN-2 reflects oxidation of Ce and coprecipitation by Fe- and Mn-oxides and organic matter. Correlation between Ce and Gd anomalies in HN-2 suggests Ce and Gd are both influenced by redox-reduction.