Controls on Sr isotopic evolution in lacustrine systems: Eocene green river formation, Wyoming

87Sr/86Sr ratios are correlated with δ18O values only during the Laney Member, when both are readily explained by a common forcing mechanism (drainage capture). Modeling of Sr isotope compositions and concentrations indicates a short residence time for Sr (~ 103-104 years or less) in both balance-overfilled and underfilled phases of the Green River Formation lacustrine system. This in turn suggests that paleo-lacustrine sediments in most lakes can preserve Sr isotope records with high-resolution (~ 102 years) timescales. Rates of Sr sequestration in carbonate are shown to have a strong influence on lacustrine Sr concentration, and high Sr concentrations of lacustrine carbonate consistent with high salinity are observed in the underfilled Wilkins Peak Member and the balance-filled Tipton and lower Laney Members. In the Laney Member, 87Sr/86Sr mass-balance modeling results provide additional support for previous interpretations that the introduction of a large drainage system produced an isotopic shift across the lower LaClede/upper LaClede boundary. Major drainage reorganization is not required to drive high variability in 87Sr/86Sr ratios, however. Modeling shows that variability in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of ~ 0.004 observed in the Wilkins Peak Member can be explained by change in the characteristics of intrabasinal water sources during highstand vs. lowstand conditions.