^(13)C-^(18)O bonds in dissolved inorganic carbon: Implications for carbonate clumped isotope thermometry

Abstract

Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry is based on a homogeneous thermodynamic equilibrium that orders ^(13)C and ^(18)O into bonds with each other within the carbonate lattice. To improve understanding of this new geothermometer and advance its application to natural environments, we present here theoretical predictions of the equilibrium and kinetic (including CO_2 hydration, hydroxylation, and reverse reactions) fractionations of 'clumped' isotopic species in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and tests of these predictions based on measurements of both synthetic and natural carbonates.

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