Rare-earth elements in eolian and river suspensions in the region of Lake Baikal

Neutron-activation analysis with the use of the X-ray fluorescence method p ermitted us to determine a number of rock-forming and trace elements in the samples of atmospheric aerosol collected on air filters and in snow sample s taken in the period 1980-97. Based on their REE patterns, we have estimat ed the role of global and regional supply of finely dispersed detritus in t he sedimentation in Lake Baikal. A comparative analysis of the elemental co mposition of suspensions of the main rivers feeding the lake was performed. The earlier and newly determined contents of REE, Fe, Hf, Th, and Rb in th e samples are compared with the clarkes of these elements in continental cl ays.