Abstract:
Phosphorus (P) and aluminum (Al) are respectively recognized as a critical nutrient limi ting element for biological processes and a significant metallic element. Basalt, renowned for its ab undance of phosphate mineral minerals (including basaltic glass and apatite) and aluminosilicate m ineral minerals (such as feldspar and pyroxene), constitutes a substantial reservoir for both P and A l. Within the near-surface environment, rock weathering is the predominant mechanism facilitating the release of these elements. Despite the importance of these elements, a comprehensive understa nding of the behavior of P and Al during basalt weathering remains an area ripe for further investig ation. To enhance the understanding of the chemical weathering process of basalt, this study undert ook a detailed examination of the weathering profile within the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP), employing mineralogical, geochemical, and phosphorus forms analyses. Additionally, by i ntegrating published data on basalt weathering profiles, the study explores the control mechanisms of physical erosion on the weathering leaching of P and Al elements and analyzes the weatheringdeposition mineralization effects related to the Late Permian period. The basal section of Heishi w eathering profile is characterized by a semi-weathered layer that is rich in primary minerals, includ ing a substantial quantity of feldspar. Relative to the basaltic parent rock, this layer exhibits a mark edly enhanced degree of chemical weathering, as indicated by Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values of 40 for the parent rock and a range of 72 to 83 for the semi-weathered layer. The upper se ction of the profile comprises a soil layer that incorporates quartz, hematite, and various clay mine rals, reflecting an advanced stage of weathering, with CIA values that extend from 90 to 92. Utilizi ng the stability of Ti and normalization to the parent rock for calculating the mobility of elements, the results indicate that there is a varying degree of loss of Na, Ca, Mg, P, and Eu from the bottom up. Fe, K, and Ce show significant depletion in the semi-weathered layer but are relatively enriche d in the soil layer. Al is relatively depleted in the soil layer, while Zr is relatively enriched. The soil layer, characterized by high quartz content and a low Ti/Zr ratio, likely indicates the influence of a eolian input from feldspathic dust. A binary mixing curve was constructed based on the compositio n of the weathered black stone protolith and aeolian dust, revealing that the weathering profiles ha ve relatively low P/Ti ratios, while the Al/Ti ratio only shows a decreasing trend in the soil layer. T his pattern suggests that P is significantly (> 50%) leached during the early stages of weathering, a nd the state of phosphorus in the residual soil undergoes a transition from dissolved phosphorus in the protolith to weakly adsorbed phosphorus and then to strongly adsorbed phosphorus. Under extr eme weathering conditions, Al can be partially (> 20%) mobilized and lost through the percolation and leaching of acidic fluids, Al-rich clay minerals, or complexes. The degree of weathering at the surface is contingent upon the relative rates of physical erosion and chemical weathering. When er osion rates are high, a greater exposure of weakly weathered rocks occurs, which favors the weath ering and leaching of P. Conversely, when erosion rates are low, a more extensive development of i ntensely weathered soil layers takes place, which favors the weathering and leaching of Al. Integra ting the weathering trends of Late Permian basaltic mudstones in the western South China, it is pos ited that the weathering and erosion conditions of the ELIP are significant factors controlling the w eathering-deposition enrichment of P and Al.