Specific REE Patterns Observed in Sulfurous Hot Springs from a Hydrothermal Alteration Area in Manza, Japan

Concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in acidic spring waters collected from sulfurous alteration zones in the Manza area belonging to the Kusatsu-Shirane volcano region, Japan were investigated. Based on the correlation in concentrations between REEs and major dissolved components, the common convex shape found in the heavy REEs in their REE patterns probably reflects the hydrothermal reservoir beneath the Manza area. Moreover, the varying distribution patterns in the light REEs presumably resulted from precipitation and/or dissolution of secondary sulfate minerals, such as alunite and anhydrite.