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To gain insight into the source of ore material, this study presents new Re–Os and Pt–Os isotopic and highly siderophile element (HSE: Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, Re) abundance data for chromitite and native osmium from the Guli massif of ultramafic alkaline rocks and carbonatites located in the Maimecha–Kotui province, Polar Siberia. The study utilized a number of analytical techniques, including electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (N-TIMS), and high pressure asher digestion and isotope dilution inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ID ICP-MS). The HSE concentrations in chromitite samples range from 191 to 866 ppb with a predominance of Ir-group platinum-group elements (PGE) (Os, Ir, and Ru) over Pt-group PGE (Rh, Pt, and Pd) and Re, which is consistent with the platinum-group mineral control (i.e., Os–Ir alloys and laurite, RuS2) within the chromitite. The Re–Os and Pt–Os isotope data indicate that the HSE budget of the chromitite and native osmium from the Guli massif was largely controlled by that of their mantle source, which evolved with long-term near-chondritic Re/Os and Pt/Os ratios; this source had time-integrated Re/Os and Pt/Os within the range of those for the majority of komatiites and abyssal peridotites worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern Transbaikalia is a unique rare-metal province of Russia. Most of the studied deposits are associated with granitoid intrusions. Despite the high degree of knowledge of regional magmatism, a number of issues, related to both the belonging of specific massifs to magmatic complexes and the correlation of certain complexes within various structural-formation zones, remain. This paper compares the material composition and age of several petrotypical and parapetrotypical massifs, which are classified as Late Mesozoic complexes distributed within the Aginsk, Shilka, and Argun structural-formational zones of Eastern Transbaikalia. Based on the results of U–Pb dating, two stages of granitoid magmatism have been established: (1) the end of the Middle and the beginning of the Late Jurassic (163–156 Ma) and (2) the beginning of the Early Cretaceous (142 Ma). It is shown that the closely aged rocks of the Borshchovochnyi, Amudzhikan–Sretensk, and Shakhtama complexes have similar material characteristics, while the rocks of the Kukulbei complex (from three massifs) vary in composition. Elevated δ18O values (from +10.8 to +11.9‰) in the rocks of the Jurassic complexes indicate their formation mainly due to the melting of crustal material, and lower δ18O values (from +9.8 up to +10.3‰) in the Early Cretaceous granitoids suggest the contribution of a mantle source to their genesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic Pb is widespread in the environment including remote places. However, its presence in Canadian Arctic seawater is thought to be negligible based on low dissolved Pb (dPb) concentrations and proxy data. Here, we measured dPb isotopes in Arctic seawater with very low dPb concentrations (average ∼5 pmol · kg−1 ) and show that anthropogenic Pb is pervasive and often dominant in the western Arctic Ocean. Pb isotopes further reveal that historic aerosol Pb from Europe and Russia (Eurasia) deposited to the Arctic during the 20th century, and subsequently remobilized, is a significant source of dPb, particularly in water layers with relatively higher dPb concentrations (up to 16 pmol · kg−1 ). The 20th century Eurasian Pb is present predominantly in the upper 1,000 m near the shelf but is also detected in older deep water (2,000 to 2,500 m). These findings highlight the importance of the remobilization of anthropogenic Pb associated with previously deposited aerosols, especially those that were emitted during the peak of Pb emissions in the 20th century. This remobilization might be further enhanced because of accelerated melting of permafrost and ice along with increased coastal erosion in the Arctic. Additionally, the detection of 20th century Eurasian Pb in deep water helps constrain ventilation ages. Overall, this study shows that Pb isotopes in Arctic seawater are useful as a gauge of changing particulate and contaminant sources, such as those resulting from increased remobilization (e.g., coastal erosion) and potentially also those associated with increased human activities (e.g., mining and shipping). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details of the Early-Middle Frasnian boundary interval of the Pymvashor River section (Timan-Pechora Basin, Cis-Urals, in the far north of European Russia) are revealed by biostratigraphically constrained carbonate (d13Ccarb) and organic carbon (d13Corg) stable data. The studied interval corresponds to the lower part of the Domanik Formation, which consists of interbedded limestone and shale beds. Organic-rich black shale that lacks bioturbation and benthic organisms indicates an oxygen-depleted depositional environment. Detection of isorenieratene derivatives in organic matter indicates that anoxia was present in the photic zone during deposition. The Pymvashor River section contains d13Ccarb and d13Corg isotope records related to the Early-Middle Frasnian isotope Event. The similarity between the Cis-Uralian (this study) and the Chinese d13Ccarb and d13Corg oscillations, including the twostep pattern of the recorded major positive excursions, suggests a robust correlation of the Late Devonian Early-Middle Frasnian isotope Event and minor intra-event excursions. Magnitude of variations and values of d13Corg and d13Ccarb in the punctata Zone in the Pymvashor River section are minor than those observed in the North American, Polish, and Chinese successions. Such difference may reflect specific variation of the local environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium isotope and chemical compositions in runoff from two felsic rock catchments, the Lysina (LYS; Czech Republic) and the Neglinka (NEG; northwest Russia), were studied. Three types of water were identified: Na-Ca-SO4 type for the LYS, Mg-Ca-Cl-HCO3 type for the NEG downstream, and Mg-Ca-Cl to Mg-Ca-HCO3 type for the NEG upstream. The Cr (III) liberated during soil/bedrock weathering oxidized to Cr (VI), which was the main dissolved Cr species in both catchments. Variations in δ53Cr values for LYS runoff (–0.07‰ to +0.37‰) reflected a sole Cr source, seasonality of weathering and hydrologically controlled leaching/export processes. In the NEG catchment, back-reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) during riverine transport resulted in a decrease in Cr concentrations (to 10–30%) and in an increase of δ53Cr values (+0.09 to +0.42‰ for the upstream to +0.72 to +1.73‰ for the downstream). Groundwater discharge could have influenced the chemical composition of the downstream NEG runoff to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake El'gygytgyn in far northeastern Russia provides one of the few records that can improve understanding of terrestrial responses to climatic changes during the Early to Middle Pleistocene transition (EMPT; 1400–400 ka). Palynological data from MIS 38‐31 (~1260 to 1060 ka) help clarify the complex nature of that transition. In contrast to the evergreen conifer forest of the MIS 31 'super' interglaciation, Larix‐Betula‐Alnus forest with shrub tundra characterized MIS 37 and MIS 35. The Larix forest‐tundra of MIS 33 represents an even cooler interglaciation. The landscapes of MIS 38, MIS 36 and early MIS 34 were a tundra mosaic with areas of Larix‐forest tundra. Although marine records suggest that MIS 38 and MIS 36 were exceptionally harsh glaciations, the decrease in woody taxa (particularly Alnus and Pinus) indicate the coolest conditions at El'gygytgyn occurred during MIS 32 and late MIS 34. When combined with other palynological data from El'gygytgyn, the EMPT portion of the record indicates that Betula was important in the vegetation during both cool and warm periods prior to MIS 24. Following the build‐up of global ice volumes ~900 ka, the taxon was characteristic of warm intervals only, marking the establishment of the herb‐dominated tundra, which typifies the remainder of the Pleistocene glaciations. The more complex successional patterns in post‐900 ka vegetation suggest greater climate variability as ice volume increased. Pinus pumila became a significant component of interglacial vegetation following the shift from a 41 ka to a quasi‐100 ka orbital cycle, indicating an increase in snow cover and a lessening of aridification, at least in this part of the Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ice-rich core formation within the core of the lithalsa in the Sentsa River valley (West Buryatia) was studied. The concentrations of stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in the ice were determined, the plant residues in the enclosing deposits were aged. It was found that the lacustrine loams enclosing the ice body were accumulated about 4700-7000 years ago. The ice core of the lithalsa was characterized by δD values from 141.9 to-159.8‰, δO from-19.52 to-21‰, and d within 4.1-17.29‰. Small variations in the isotope composition of the ice-soil material within the lithalsa core point to its formation in an open system with water inflow from outside. The values of δO and δD were much closer to those for recent middle-winter and late-autumn atmospheric precipitation, as well as for riverine water, which pointed to a Holocene age of the ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the high-precision technique of MC-ICP mass spectrometry, the isotope composition of lead was studied for the first time in sulfides of different mineral associations at the Verninskoe deposit that belong to large gold deposits of the Lena Province. In 23 monofractions of sulfides (pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, and sphalerite), the Pb-Pb data showed a pronounced heterogeneity of the isotope composition of ore lead (Pb/Pb = 18.21-18.69, Pb/Pb = 15.59-15.67, and Pb/Pb = 37.98-38.63) for the deposit as a whole. This heterogeneity is also seen to a lesser degree within individual samples. In this case, a correlation takes place between the isotope composition of ore Pb and the type of mineral association: the sulfides in earlier associations are characterized by lower contents of the Pb, Pb, and Pb radiogenic isotopes compared to the minerals of later parageneses. The comparison of Pb-Pb isotope characteristics of ore mineralization of the Verninskoe deposit to those of the Sukhoi Log deposit (the greatest in the Lena Province) testifies to the geochemical similarity of the sources of ore Pb involved in the formation of these deposits. The sources as such were terrigenous rocks of the Bodaibo synclinorium formed mainly as a result of the disintegration of Precambrian rocks of the Siberian craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the strontium isotope signatures found in the Vendian Khorbusuonka group of the Olenek uplift river in the northeastern Siberian platform in Russia. It notes that the Vendian section of the Olenek uplift is one of the best reference successions for both regional and global correlation of Upper Precambrian deposits due to its unique paleontological characteristic and availability of geochronological dates. It states that no data are available for the chemostratigraphy of strontium isotope that prevents adequate assessment of age constraints for the Siberian hypostratotype. It also discusses the distribution of strontium isotope in carbonate rocks of the river aimed to assess their age to compare with other isotopic-chemostratigraphic methods.

The article offers information on the study based on the age and substance sources of the Ilmeno-Vishnevogorsky Alkaline Complex (IVC). It mentions that isochron method, a radiometric dating technique, was used for the dating of the main rock types of the IVC. It also adds that sources of substances for magmatic rocks and ores were established by using initial isotope characteristics of rocks and minerals of the IVC. It also adds that IVC has a source similar as that of ultra basic alkaline formation (UAC) source regarding the magma formation. It mentions of geochronological data that provides evidence that the IVC intruded rocks underwent significant transformations in the course of consolidation of the Ural Mountains.

The article focuses on the formation of rich datolite ores on the Dalnegorskoe skarn borosilicate deposit located in the center of the ore region, Russia. It states that this formation is interrupted by Altered basalts, alkaline basalts, and gabbro from dykes. It mentions that rocks of the ore zone has acquired a low oxygen isotope composition which resulted in the postmagnetic interaction with waters of meteoric origin. It also mentions that the Dal'negorskii ore region is known for its skarn and vein polymetallic deposits.

The article focuses on the zones of paleospreading and crustal extension in the Ural Mountains, Russia runs from north to south through western Russia. It states that the fragments of the sheeted dyke complex extends with breaks over 60 kilometers in the eastern framework of the Revda massif, Urals Region, Russia. It mentions that these dykes are made of fine grained gabbrodolerites and porphyritic dolerites with plagioclase and hornblende phenocrysts, as well as less common aphyric and fine porphyritic varieties.

The article presents study which investigates the isotope and age geochemistry of ore-hosting granodiorites of the Nyal'm-1 gold deposit at Kola Peninsula, Russia. It says that the Archean greenstone belts (GSBs) are localized in Paleoproterozoic volcanogenic-sedimentary complexes and are linked to the ore-metasomatic procedures in areas of shift deformations. It states that the investigation was done with the use of modern local isotope geochemical methods, along with the description of geological composition and structure of the volcanogenic-sedimentary complex of the GSB Kolmozero-Voron'ya (KV). Conclusion suggests that the age and genetic relationship of gold deposits enables the reconsideration of the concepts of the age of the gold formation.

The article presents a study on the composition, sources, and diamond potential of lamproite and kimberlite found in the Eastern Sayany area. It states that the Eastern Sayany area is a foreboding region for the discovery of original diamond deposits of various genetic types. It notes that several stages of lamproite and kimberlite intrusion are being identified within the Eastern Sayany area including the Mesoproterozoic, Neoproterozoic, and Middle Paleozoic. Moreover, the study speculates on the primary estimations of isotope geochemical specifics of deep sources of lamproitic, kimberlitic, and alkaline ultrabasic magmatism of the Siberian Platform region in Russia.

The use of Cambrian clay from Leningrad oblast for cementing radioactive sludge deposits from natural water reservoirs is discussed. The addition of Cambrian clay impedes separation of the mixture of sludge with cement and decreases the leaching of 137Cs from the solidified products at least five-fold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed spectroscopic information of excited nuclear states in deformed transfermium nuclei is scarce. Most of the information available today has been obtained from investigations of fine-structure α-decay. Although α decay gives access to hindrance factors and lifetimes which are strongly correlated to shell/subshell closures and the presence of isomers, only the combined use of γ and conversion electron spectroscopy allows the precise determination of excitation energy, spin and parity of nuclear levels. In the years 2004–2009 using the GABRIELA set-up [Hauschild et al, Nucl. Instrum. Methods A560, 388 (2006)] at the focal plane of VASSILISSA separator [Malyshev et al, Nucl. Instrum. Methods A440, 86 (2000); A516, 529 (2004)] experiments with the aim of γ and electron spectroscopy of the isotopes from Fm to Lr, formed by complete fusion reactions with accelerated heavy ions were performed. In the following, the preliminary results of decay studies using α-γ and α-β coincidences at the focal plane of the VASSILISSA recoil separator are presented. Accumulated experience allowed us to perform ion optical calculations and to design the new experimental set-up, which will collect the base and best parameters of the existing separators and complex detector systems used at the focal planes of these installations. In the near future it is planned to study neutron-rich isotopes of the Rf-Sg in the ‘hot’ fusion reactions with Ne incident projectiles and Pu, Am and Cm targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metamorphic units of the Khavyven Highland that crop out in the northern portion of the Khavyven Uplift of the basement structures of the Central Kamchatka Trough are formed by rocks of the Khavyven Formation, which are metamorphosed in the green-schist facies. The formation comprises two strata: the lower part that consists of amphibole-micaceous ± garnet, epidote-micaceous ± garnet crystalline schists, and micaceous ± garnet quartzite schists has a total thickness of some 500 m, and the upper part, which is formed by epidote-amphibole and phengite-amphibole green schists and overlying epidote-amphibole-micaceous quartzites, with a visible thickness of some 750 m. The isotopic ratios of Sr, Nd, and Pb were determined in the examined rocks of the Khavyven Formation for the first time. The high 87Sr/86Sr and low 143Nd/144Nd ratios and the high K/La, Ba/Th, Th/Ta, and La/Nb ratios in combination with a deep Ta-Nb minimum indicate that the original volcanites of the crystalline schists of the lower rock mass had a subduction nature. The green schist of the upper rock mass, whose composition corresponds to that of spilitic basalts, have elevated 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios, thus combining indications of depleted melts of the N-MORB and E-MORB types and those of subduction melts, which explains the deep Ta-Nb minimum and the low (La/Yb) N ratios. The isotopic signatures of lead in rocks of the lower and the upper strata are similar. The composition points of the crystalline schists and the green schists are located near the trend of isotopic evolution of lead in the depleted mantle, which indicates that the rocks are closely related to this mantle source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the study concerning the Paleoproterozoic layered Monchetundra Massifs of the Kola Region, Russia. It notes that the study of Monchetundra Massif, which is one of the objects promising with regard to economic Pt and Pd concentrations, made it possible to define the Kola platinum-bearing province. It uses the method of cumulative stratigraphy, which allows mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Monchetundra Massif to be subdivided into three zones wherein the lower zone composed of norites. It assumes that all lithologically similar igneous rocks of the complex in question were formed during several stages synchronously with the Monchegorsk Pluton and Fedorov-Pana Massif, taking into consideration all the new geological-geochronological data.

Harzburgitic xenoliths cut by pyroxenite veins from Avachinsky volcano, Kamchatka, are derived from the sub-arc mantle and record element transfer from the slab to the arc. Olivine and orthopyroxene in the harzburgites have Li isotopic compositions (δ7Li = +2.8 to +5.6) comparable to estimates of the upper mantle (δ7Li ~ +4 ± 2). The pyroxenite veins, which represent modal metasomatism and may therefore provide information about the metasomatic agent, have mantle-normalized trace element characteristics that suggest overprinting of their mantle source by an aqueous, slab-derived fluid. These include relative enrichments of Pb over Ce, U over Th and Sr over Nd. Li is enriched relative to the HREE, and ortho- and clinopyroxene from the veins are in Li elemental and isotopic equilibrium with each other and the surrounding harzburgite. Vein samples (δ7Li = +3.0 to +5.0) do not record a significant slab-derived δ7Li signature. These observations can be reconciled if slab Li diffusively re-equilibrates in the mantle wedge. Modeling demonstrates that Li equilibration of small (1–2 cm width) veins or melt conduits is achieved at mantle wedge temperatures within 101–105 years. We conclude that strongly fractionated Li isotopic signatures cannot be sustained for long periods in the sub-arc mantle, at least at shallow (<70 km) depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration, radiocarbon (14C) and stable isotope (13C and 18O) content of CO have been determined in air samples collected across Russia (about 8,500 km) and along the Ob river during the summer of 1999 to study the CO sources and sinks. An instrumented carriage on the Trans-Siberian railway and a boat on the river Ob were used as atmospheric measurement platforms. In general, CO mixing ratios, CO stable isotope ratios, as well as the abundances of 14CO over West Siberia were similar to those found at remote northern hemispheric baseline monitoring stations. Identified sources of CO along the Ob appear to be connected to methane oxidation based on an inferred δ13Csource = −36.8 ± 0.6‰, while the value for δ18Osource = 9.0 ± 1.6‰ identifies it as burning. Thus flaring in the oil and gas production can be supposed to be a source. The extreme 13C depletion and concomitant 18O enrichment for two of the boat samples unambiguously indicates contamination by CO from combustion of natural gas (inferred values δ13Csource = −40.3‰ and δ18Osource = 17.5‰). For these two samples, that have strongly elevated 14CO concentrations, the industrial area near Tomsk is identified as a source area using meteorological calculations. Along the Trans-Siberian Railroad background CO was to various degrees contaminated with CO from methane combustion (δ13Csource = −35.7 ± 6.2‰ and δ18Osource = 10.3 ± 1.8‰). The impact of industrial burning was discernable in the vicinity of Perm-Kungur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents new compositional and S-Os isotope data for primary Ru-Os sulfides within a platinum-group mineral (PGM) assemblage from placer deposits associated with the Verkh-Neivinsk massif, which is part of the mantle ophiolite association of Middle Urals (Russia). The primary nature of Ru-Os sulfides represented by laurite (RuS2)–erlichmanite (OsS2) series is supported by occurrence of euhedral inclusions of high-Mg olivine (Fo92–94) that fall within the compositional range of mantle (primitive) olivine (Fo 88–93). The sulfur isotope signatures of Ru-Os sulfides reveal a range of δ34S values from 0.3 to 3.3‰, with a mean of 2.05‰ and a standard deviation of 0.86‰ (n = 18), implying that the sulfur derived from a subchondritic source. A range of sub-chondritic initial 187Os/188Os values defined for Ru-Os sulfides (0.1173–0.1278) are clearly indicative of derivation from a sub-chondritic source. Re-depletion (TRD) ages of the Verkh-Neivinsk Ru-Os sulfides are consistent with prolonged melt-extraction processes and likely multi-stage evolution of highly siderophile elements (HSE) within the upper mantle. A single radiogenic 187Os/188Os value of 0.13459 ± 0.00002 determined in the erlichmanite is indicative of a supra-chondritic source of HSE. This feature can be interpreted as evidence of a radiogenic crustal component associated with a subduction event or as an indication of an enriched mantle source. The mineralogical and Os-isotope data point to a high-temperature origin of the studied PGM and two contrasting sources for HSE in Ru-Os sulfides of the Verkh-Neivinsk massif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study to investigate the petrogeochemical and isotope specifics of terrigenous rocks found in close paragenetic association with island arc magmatic complexes from the example of Neoproterozoic complexes of the Predivinsk Terrane of the Yenisei Ridge in Russia. The Western Block has metaplagiorhyolite–basalt and metaandesibasalt–andesite–dacite associations metamorphosed under the presence of the epidote amphibolite facies.

The occurrence of hydrocarbon gases (HCG) in unusually high concentrations for magmatic complexes, in the Lovozero and some other alkaline massifs, is of both geochemical and practical interest. The nature of these gases, despite the long history of research, remains the subject of debate. As an approach to solving this problem, we studied the coupled distribution of occluded HCG and the recognized tracers of various geological processes, such as helium and argon isotopes. The extraction of the gas components trapped in fluid micro-inclusions was carried out by the mechanical crushing of rock and mineral samples. A positive correlation was found between the 3He/4He and CH4/C2H6 ratios, whereas a negative correlation of the latter was found with the 36Ar concentration, which in turn was directly related, in varying degrees, to the content of HCG and most strongly with pentanes. Conjugacy of the processes of the heavier gaseous hydrocarbons, a loss of the deep component of the fluid phase and dilution of it with the atmogenic component was established. In the absence of a correlation between CH4 and 3He, the value of the CH4/3He ratio in the Lovozero gas substantially exceeded the estimates of it in gases of a mantle origin, and mainly corresponded to the crustal values. However, in some samples, a small fraction of mantle methane was allowed. The peculiarities of the relationships between hydrocarbon gases and the isotopes of noble gases indicate a sequential process of abiogenic generation and transformation of HCG at the magmatic and post-magmatic stages during the formation of the Lovozero massif. The obtained results confirm the usefulness of this approach in solving the origin of reduced gases in alkaline igneous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the sulfates and sulfide in nitrogen hot springs of the Bauntov group of the Baikal Rift Zone (BRZ) in the Vitim River Basin in Russia. It says that physicochemical characteristics of nitrogen hot springs were examined using analytical techniques and precipitates for the assessment of isotopes were obtained by deposition with cadmium acetate, sulfate sulfur, and barium chloride. The results suggest that sulfide sulfur in the hot springs is depleted in heavy isotopes compared with that of sulfates and the chemical oxidation of sulfide sulfur under reduced environments at high Eh values is inconceivable. It adds that the influence of sulfate reduction in the improvement of sulfate sulfur in a heavy isotope is apparent.

The radioisotope compositions, structure, and behavior of “hot” particles under the natural conditions of the Yenisei River in the nearby influence zone of Krasnoyarsk mining and chemical combine were examined in this study. By the composition of gamma-radiating isotopes, all particles are divided into three groups: mono-isotopic, bi-isotopic and poly-isotopic. Mono-isotopic “hot” particles, containing only 60Co were discovered for the first time. Transuranium elements (241Am and 243Cm) were revealed in poly-isotopic particles. Investigation of poly-isotopic particles by means of a scan electron microscope showed that the presence of UO2 together with the lack of activation of 152Eu testifies to the reactor origin of this particle. Experiments showed that in natural conditions “hot” particles under the influence of filtrating water and moisture of pore solutions are gradually dissolved and radionuclides are repeatedly drawn into migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured δ13C of CO2, CH4, and acetate-methyl in profundal sediment of eutrophic Lake Dagow by incubation experiments in the presence and absence of methanogenic inhibitors chloroform, bromoethane sulfonate (BES), and methyl fluoride, which have different specificities. Methyl fluoride predominantly inhibits acetoclastic methanogenesis and affects hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis relatively little. Optimization of methyl fluoride concentrations resulted in complete inhibition of acetoclastic methanogenesis. Methane was then exclusively produced by hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and thus allowed determination of the fractionation factors specific for this methanogenic pathway. Acetate, which was then no longer consumed, accumulated and allowed determination of the isotopic signatures of the fermentatively produced acetate. BES and chloroform also inhibited CH4 production and resulted in accumulation of acetate. The fractionation factor for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis exhibited variability, e.g., it changed with sediment depth. The δ13C of the methyl group of the accumulated acetate was similar to the δ13C of sedimentary organic carbon, while that of the carboxyl group was by about 12% higher. However, the δ13C of the acetate was by about 5% lower in samples with uninhibited compared with inhibited acetoclastic methanogenesis, indicating unusual isotopic fractionation. The isotope data were used for calculation of the relative contribution of hydrogenotrophic vs. acetoclastic methanogenesis to total CH4 production. Contribution of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis increased with sediment depth from about 35% to 60%, indicating that organic matter was only partially oxidized in deeper sediment layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]