Minor elements in aeolian and riverine suspended particles in Baikal Region

Abstract Thirty five elements were determined by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis (SRXRF) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in aeolian and river suspension, performed accordingly, in winter and summer seasons in Baikal Region. By means of double rate setting (normalization) for Sc, comparative (with Clarke values) analysis for clays was executed. With few exceptions, spectra of elements resistant to physical and chemical weathering in river suspension of modern Baikal silt and clays are similar to each other. Aeolian suspension (snow samples) over the Southern Water Area of Baikal Lake, on the whole differs from the others by lower normalized values of alkaline and alkaline-earth elements, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Zn, and by higher values of Cr, As, Pb, and Sb (anthropogenic influence). As far as spectra of rare and rare-earth elements are concerned, aeolian suspensions have relatively constant distribution spectrum.