Isotope geochemistry of sulfur: implications for origin and distribution of sulfur in Isparta Angle of Western Taurus Belt, SW, Turkey

Abstract

The study area is located between Isparta and Burdur cities in Turkey, in an area of 350 km2. According to sulfur isotope (δ34S) data of samples calculated δ34S (‰) values are between 0.0447-0.0449 and the variation range [Δ(δ34S)] is 7.7. These values suggest a genetic environment that suitable for shale formation. When it was examined the volcanic rocks in the region, it has shown that the rocks were quite poor in point of sulphide ores, it has been found Triassic bituminous shale, oil seepages in vicinity. Previous researchers asserted that the sulfur must have been originated from the volcanism. However, isotopic and geochemical analyses, detailed field surveys of volcanic rocks suggest that the sulfur has organic origin and may have occurred in shale environment. It is thought that the sulfur may have been thrusted to the surface by hydrothermal water and gas in the end of the volcanism.