Solute geothermometry of springs and wells of the Los Azufres and Las Tres Vírgenes geothermal fields,Mexico

Subsurface reservoir temperatures of two important Mexican geothermal systems (Los Azufres and Las Tres Vírgenes) were estimated by applying all available solute geothermometers for 88 and 56 chemical data measurements of the spring waters and fluids of the deep geothermal wells, respectively. Most of the chemical data for spring water of these two geothermal fields are for HCO₃ water, followed by SO₄ and Cl types. For the Los Azufres geothermal field (LAGF), the reservoir temperatures estimated by Na-K geothermometers for springs of HCO₃ and SO₄ waters, and by Na-Li and Li-Mg geothermometers for Cl water, are close to the average bottom-hole temperature (BHT) of the geothermal wells. However, all reservoir temperatures for spring waters from the Las Tres Vírgenes geothermal field (LTVGF) estimated by all solute geothermometers indicated significantly large differences (low temperatures) compared to the BHT. Evaluation of inferred reservoir temperatures for spring waters of the LAGF and LTVGF suggests that not all springs nor all solute geothermometers provide reliable estimation of the reservoir temperatures. Even though chemical equilibrium probably was not achieved in the water–rock system, Na-K geothermometers for HCO₃ water (peripheral water mainly of meteoric origin with little geothermal component) and SO₄ water (geothermal steam heated) and Na-Li and Li-Mg geothermometers for Cl-rich spring water (fully mature geothermal water) of the LAGF indicated reservoir temperatures close to the BHT. However, in comparison with the geothermometry of spring water of the LAGF and LTVGF, fluid measurements from geothermal wells of these two fields indicated reservoir temperatures in close agreement with their respective BHTs. For the best use of the solute geothermometry for spring water, it is advisable to: (1) chemically classify the springs based on water types; (2) identify and eliminate the discordant outlier observations by considering each water type as a separate sampled population; (3) apply all available solute geothermometers employing a suitable computer program such as SolGeo instead of using some specific, arbitrarily chosen geothermometers; and (4) evaluate the temperatures obtained for each solute geothermometer by considering the subsurface lithology, hydrological conditions, and BHTs or static formation temperatures whenever available.     

Isotope–geochemical characterization and geothermometrical modeling of Uttarakhand geothermal field,India

Uttarakhand geothermal area, located in the central belt of the Himalayan geothermal province, is one of the important high temperature geothermal fields in India. In this study, the chemical characteristics of the thermal waters are investigated to identify the main geochemical processes affecting the composition of thermal waters during its ascent toward the surface as well as to determine the subsurface temperature of the feeding reservoir. The thermal waters are mainly Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type with moderate silica and TDS concentrations. Mineral saturation states calculated from PHREEQC geochemical code indicate that thermal waters are supersaturated with respect to calcite, dolomite, aragonite, chalcedony, quartz (SI > 0), and undersaturated with respect to gypsum, anhydrite, and amorphous silica (SI < 0). XRD study of the spring deposit samples fairly corroborates the predicted mineral saturation state of the thermal waters. Stable isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H) data confirm the meteoric origin of the thermal waters with no oxygen-18 shift. The mixing phenomenon between thermal water with shallow ground water is substantiated using tritium (³H) and chemical data. The extent of dilution is quantified using tritium content of thermal springs and non-thermal waters. Classical geothermometers, mixing model, and multicomponent fluid geothermometry modeling (GeoT) have been applied to estimate the subsurface reservoir temperature. Among different classical geothermometers, only quartz geothermometer provide somewhat reliable estimation (96–140 °C) of the reservoir temperature. GeoT modeling results suggest that thermal waters have attained simultaneous equilibrium with respect to minerals like calcite, quartz, chalcedony, brucite, tridymite, cristobalite, talc, at the temperature 130 ± 5 °C which is in good agreement with the result obtained from the mixing model.     

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of the Ilica geothermal system (Erzurum,Turkey)

In this paper, the hydrochemical isotopic characteristics of samples collected from geothermal springs in the Ilica geothermal field, Eastern Anatolia of Turkey, are examined and described. Low-temperature geothermal system of Ilica (Erzurum, Turkey) located along the Eastern Anatolian fault zone was investigated for hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics. The study of ionic and isotopic contents shows that the thermal water of Ilica is mainly, locally fed by groundwater, which changes chemically and isotopically during its circulation within the major fault zone reaching depths. The thermal spring has a temperature of 29–39 °C, with electrical conductivity ranging from 4,000 to 7,510 µS/cm and the thermal water is of Na–HCO₃–Cl water type. The chemical geothermometers applied in the Ilica geothermal waters yielded a maximum reservoir temperature of 142 °C according to the silica geothermometers. The thermal waters are undersaturated with respect to gypsum, anhydrite and halite, and oversaturated with respect to dolomite. The dolomite mineral possibly caused scaling when obtaining the thermal waters in the study area. According to the enthalpy chloride-mixing model, cold water to the thermal water-mixing ratio is changing between 69.8 and 75 %. The δ¹⁸O–δ²H compositions obviously indicate meteoric origin of the waters. Thermal water springs derived from continental precipitation falling on to higher elevations in the study area. The δ¹³C ratio for dissolved inorganic carbonate in the waters lies between 4.63 and 6.48 ‰. In low-temperature waters carbon is considered as originating from volcanic (mantle) CO₂.     

Hydrogeochemistry of thermal and mineralized waters in the Diyadin (Ağri) area,Eastern Turkey

The Diyadin Geothermal area, located in the eastern part of Anatolia (Turkey) where there has been recent volcanic activity, is favorable for the formation of geothermal systems. Indeed, the Diyadin geothermal system is located in an active geodynamic zone, where strike-slip faults and tensional cracks have developed due to N–S regional compression. The area is characterized by closely spaced thermal and mineralized springs, with temperatures in the range 30–64 °C, and flowrates 0.5–10 L/s. Thermal spring waters are mainly of Ca(Na)-HCO₃ and Ca(Mg)-SO₄ types, with high salinity, while cold groundwater is mostly of Ca(Na, Mg)-HCO₃ type, with lower salinity. High contents of some minor elements in thermal waters, such as F, B, Li, Rb, Sr and Cs probably derive from enhanced water–rock interaction.Thermal water samples collected from Diyadin are far from chemical equilibrium as the waters flow upward from reservoirs towards spring vents and possibly mix with cooler waters. The temperatures of the deep geothermal reservoirs are estimated to be between 92 and 156 °C in Diyadin field, based on quartz geothermometry, while slightly lower estimates are obtained using chalcedony geothermometers. The isotopic composition of thermal water (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, δ³H) indicates their deep-circulating meteoric origin. The waters are likely to have originated from the percolation of rainwater along fractures and faults to the deep hot reservoir. Subsequent heating by conduction due to the presence of an intrusive cupola associated with the Tendurek volcano, is followed by the ascent of deep waters to the surface along faults and fractures that act as hydrothermal conduits.Modeling of the geothermal fluids indicates that the fluid is oversaturated with calcite, aragonite and dolomite, which matches travertine precipitation in the discharge area. Likewise, the fluid is oversaturated with respect to quartz, and chalcedony indicating the possibility of siliceous precipitation near the discharge areas. A conceptual hydro-geochemical model of the Diyadin thermal waters based on the isotope and chemical analytical results, has been constructed.     

Classical and integrated multicomponent geothermometry at the Tengchong geothermal field,Southwestern China

To reconstruct deep fluid chemical composition and increase the confidence in estimated reservoir temperatures, a more integral geothermometry method was compared to other classical geothermometers. Here, we apply the integrated multicomponent geothermometry (IMG) method using the GeoT code to estimate reservoir temperatures at the Tengchong geothermal field in Southwestern China. Results show reservoir temperatures calculated using the quartz geothermometer are closest to those estimated with the IMG method. The concentrations of Al and Mg, as well as selected minerals for geothermometry computations, are key factors for successfully using the IMG. Using the IMG method together with classical geothermometers can significantly increase confidence in reservoir temperature estimations. The methods presented and simulation program used here may be useful for analysis of other geothermal fields under similar conditions.     

Characteristics of the geothermal water in Changbai Mountain volcanic region,northeast of China

Geothermal water is plentiful in Changbai Mountain region, northeastern China, due to the volcanic activities and widespread faults. For the exploration of geothermal resources, this study uses quartz and cation geothermometer to estimate the temperatures of the geothermal reservoir and uses the tubular models to evaluate the thermal gradient. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the geothermal resources were also evaluated by hydrogeochemical analysis. The results showed that the geothermal reservoir temperatures of the four major thermal springs in Changbai Mountain region range from 72 to 169 °C. The average geothermal reservoir temperatures of Jinjiang hot springs, Changbai hot springs I, Xianrenqiao hot springs, and Changbai hot springs II are 129.25, 169, 89, and 73.67 °C, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of the four major thermal springs have different characteristics. The geothermal gradient values of Jinjiang hot springs and Changbai hot springs I are 4.6 and 3.1 °C/100 m, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of Xianrenqiao thermal springs and Changbai thermal springs II are both lower than 1.5 °C/100 m, with the values of 1.1 and 1.4 °C/100 m. And the geothermal gradients are influenced by Changbai Mountain Tianchi volcano. In addition, the water chemical analyses showed that the geothermal water types are HCO₃-Na with higher concentrations of Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, TDS, and HCO₃ ^? than the non-thermal waters, which suggested a deep and long water cycle of the thermal water, and therefore a sufficient water-rock interaction.     

Assessment of spatial variations in water quality of Garra River at Shahjahanpur,Ganga Basin,India

Arabian Journal of Geosciences - A comprehensive study on the chemical considerations of thermal waters (springs and geothermal wells) on the performance of solute geothermometers in predicting the...     

New gas geothermometers for geothermal exploration—calibration and application

Calibration of five gas geothermometers is presented, three of which used CO₂, H₂S and H₂ concentrations in fumarole steam, respectively. The remaining two use $\text{CO}{}_2\text{H}{}_2$ and $\text{H}{}_2\text{S}\text{H}{}_2$ ratios. The calibration is based on the relation between gas content of drillhole discharges and measured aquifer temperatures. After establishing the gas content in the aquifer, gas concentrations were calculated in steam formed by adiabatic boiling of this water to atmospheric pressure to obtain the gas geothermometry functions. It is shown that the concentrations of CO₂, H₂S and H₂ in geothermal reservoir waters are fixed through equilibria with mineral buffers. At temperatures above 230°C epidote + prehnite + calcite + quartz are considered to buffer CO₂. Two buffers are involved for H₂S and H₂ and two functions are, therefore, presented for the geothermometers involving these gases. For waters containing less than about 500 ppm chloride and in the range 230–300°C pyrite + pyrrholite + epidote + prehnite seem to be involved, but pyrite + epidote + prehnite + magnetite or chlorite for waters above 300°C and waters in the range 230–300°C, if containing over about 500 ppm.The gas geothermometers are useful for predicting subsurface temperatures in high-temperature geothermal systems. They are applicable to systems in basaltic to acidic rocks and in sediments with similar composition, but should be used with reservation for systems located in rocks which differ much in composition from the basaltic to acidic ones. The geothermometry results may be used to obtain information on steam condensation in upflow zones, or phase separation at elevated pressures.Measured aquifer temperatures in drillholes and gas geothermometry temperatures, based on data from nearby fumaroles, compare well in the five fields in Iceland considered specifically for the present study as well as in several fields in other countries for which data were inspected. The results of the gas geothermometers also compare well with the results of solute geothermometers and mixing models in three undrilled Icelandic fields.     

Solute and gas geothermometry of geothermal wells: a geochemometrics study for evaluating the effectiveness of geothermometers to predict deep reservoir temperatures

Deep reservoir temperatures of 10 important geothermal systems of the world were estimated by applying 13 solute (Na/K) and 21 gas geothermometers. The predicted temperatures were comprehensively evaluated and compared with measured bottom-hole temperatures using geochemometric techniques. The present study reveals (1) high prediction performances in most of the Na/K geothermometers for the majority of the geothermal fields with liquid-dominated reservoirs, whereas low prediction performances were indicated for the geothermal fields with vapour-dominated and high-temperature reservoirs; (2) the gas geothermometers, in comparison to Na/K, are more successful in predicting the subsurface temperatures in high-temperature geothermal systems; (3) the geothermal systems for which Na/K geothermometers have indicated a high prediction performance, the gas geothermometers have specified a low prediction performances, and vice versa; (4) both Na/K and gas geothermometers, generally, overestimated the reservoir temperatures for the majority of the low-enthalpy geothermal fields and underestimated for the majority of the high-enthalpy geothermal fields; (5) the reservoir temperature predictions of gas geothermometers have more scatter than those temperatures inferred from Na/K geothermometers; and (6) in general, Na/K geothermometers seem to be a more successful geochemical tool in predicting reliable reservoir temperatures than gas geothermometers.     

Hydrogeochemistry,environmental isotopes and the origin of the Hamamayagi-Ladik thermal spring (Samsun,Turkey)

Hamamayagi thermal spring (HTS) is located along the North Anatolian Fault Zone. The thermal spring has a temperature of 36°C, with total dissolved solids ranging from 485.6 to 508.5 mg/L. Hard, brittle, and gray limestones Permian aged are the reservoir rocks of the HTS. δ¹⁸O–δ²H isotope ratios clearly indicate a meteoric origin for the waters. The δ³⁴S value of sulfate in the thermal water is nearly 4.1‰ and implies a diagenetic environment characterized by reduced sulfur compounds. The δ¹³C ratio for dissolved inorganic carbonate in the HTS lies between −1.78 and −1.62‰, showing that it originates from the dissolution of fresh-water carbonates. Quartz geothermometry suggests a reservoir temperature of 52–85°C for the Hamamayagi geothermal field, but chalcedony geothermometers suggest reservoir temperatures between 30 and 53°C.     

Hydrogeochemical evaluation of Umut geothermal field (SW Turkey)

Tekkehamam geothermal field is located in the South of Menderes Graben (Aegean region) and is one of the most important geothermal sites of Western Anatolia. Umut geothermal field is a part of the Tekkehamam field. This study was conducted in order to determine the origin and hydrogeochemical properties of the geothermal waters. For this purpose, sampling was done in order to check the chemistry of the water, and ¹⁸O, ²H isotope analyses done at four wells, nine natural springs and three cold water sources. According to the results of the chemical analysis, the geothermal waters were determined to be of Na + K-SO₄ type. Additionally, ¹⁴C and ³H analyses were done in selected well and spring waters for the purpose of age determination of groundwater; most of the waters were determined to be submodern. Geothermometer calculations show that the reservoir temperature for the Umut geothermal field ranges between 148 and 180 °C. Stable isotope results indicate that Umut geothermal waters are meteoric in origin. Mixing between shallow and deep waters is the dominant subsurface process that determines the physical and chemical character of the waters.     

Geochemical constraint on origin and evolution of solutes in geothermal springs in western Yunnan,China

Geothermal resources are very rich in Yunnan, China. However, source of dissolved solutes in geothermal water and chemical evolution processes remain unclear. Geochemical and isotopic studies on geothermal springs and river waters were conducted in different petrological-tectonic units of western Yunnan, China. Geothermal waters contain Ca–HCO₃, Na–HCO₃, and Na (Ca)–SO₄ type, and demonstrate strong rock-related trace elemental distributions. Enhanced water–rock interaction increases the concentration of major and trace elements of geothermal waters. The chemical compositions of geothermal waters in the Rehai geothermal field are very complicated and different because of the magma chamber developed at the shallow depth in this area. In this geothermal field, neutral-alkaline geothermal waters with high Cl, B, Li, Rb Cs, As, Sb, and Tl contents and acid–sulfate waters with high Al, Mn, Fe, and Pb contents are both controlled by magma degassing and water–rock interaction. Geothermal waters from metamorphic, granite, and sedimentary regions (except in the Rehai area) exhibit varying B contents ranging from 3.31 mg/L to 4.49 mg/L, 0.23 mg/L to 1.24 mg/L, and <0.07 mg/L, respectively, and their corresponding δ¹¹B values range from −4.95‰ to −9.45‰, −2.57‰ to −8.85‰, and −4.02‰ to +0.06‰. The B contents of these geothermal waters are mainly controlled by leaching host rocks in the reservoir, and their δ¹¹B values usually decrease and achieve further equilibrium with its surrounding rocks, which can also be proven by the positive δ¹⁸O-shift. In addition to fluid–rock reactions, the geothermal waters from Rehai hot springs exhibit higher δ¹¹B values (−3.43‰ to +1.54‰) than those yielded from other areas because mixing with the magmatic fluids from the shallow magma. The highest δ¹¹B of steam–heated waters (pH 3.25) from the Zhenzhu spring in Rehai is caused by the fractionation induced by pH and the phase separation of coexisting steam and fluids. Given the strong water–rock interaction, some geothermal springs in western Yunnan show reservoir temperatures higher than 180 °C, which demonstrate potential for electricity generation and direct-use applications. The most potential geothermal field in western Yunnan is located in the Rehai area because of the heat transfer from the shallow magma chamber.     

Geothermal energy potential of Tulsishyam thermal springs of Gujarat,India

Tulsishyam thermal springs are located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India with discharge temperatures varying from 39 to 42 °C. The pH of these thermal springs varies from 7.1 to 7.4, indicating neutral character. Though these thermal springs propagate through the near surface layer of Deccan basalt, detailed geochemical analysis of the thermal waters using Piper diagram suggests that the water is interacting with the granitic basement rock. Silica and cation geothermometry estimates have reservoir temperature in the range of 138 to 207 °C categorizing it into a low to moderate enthalpy geothermal system. Furthermore, the area has high heat flow values of 53–90 mW/m² because of shallow Moho depth. The prevailing conditions suggest that the geothermal energy can potentially be exploited through an enhanced geothermal system (EGS). The study also indicates different mineral phases that may precipitate out of water during exploitation of geothermal energy and it should be taken into account while designing an EGS for the area.     

Geochemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids in the Niutuozhen geothermal field,North China

Niutuozhen geothermal field is located in the Jizhong graben, belonging to the northern part of Bohai Bay Basin in North China. Chemical and isotopic analyses were carried out on 14 samples of the geothermal fluids discharged from Neogene Minghuazhen (Nm), Guantao (Ng), and Jixianian Wumishan (Jxw) formations. The δ²H and δ¹⁸O in water, δ¹³C in CH₄, δ¹³C in CO₂, and ³He/⁴He ratio in the gases were analyzed in combination with chemical analyses on the fluids in the Niutuozhen geothermal field. The chemical and isotopic compositions indicate a meteoric origin of the thermal waters. The reservoir temperatures estimated by chemical geothermometry are in the range between 60 and 108 °C. The results show that the gases are made up mainly by N₂ (18.20–97.42 vol%), CH₄ (0.02–60.95 vol%), and CO₂ (0.17–25.14 vol%), with relatively high He composition (up to 0.52 vol%). The chemical and isotopic compositions of the gas samples suggest the meteoric origin of N₂, predominant crustal origins of CH₄, CO₂, and He. The mantle-derived He contributions are calculated to be from 5 to 8% based on a crust–mantle binary mixing model. The deep temperatures in the Jxw reservoir were evaluated based on gas isotope geothermometry to be in the range from 141 to 165 °C. The mantle-derived heat fraction in the surface heat flow is estimated to be in the range of 48–51% based on ³He/⁴He ratios.     

Lithium isotopes in island arc geothermal systems: Guadeloupe, Martinique (French West Indies) and experimental approach

We report lithium (Li) isotopic measurements in seawater-derived waters that were discharged from geothermal wells, thermal springs, and sub-marine springs located in volcanic island arc areas in Guadeloupe (the Bouillante geothermal field) and Martinique (Lamentin plain and the Diamant areas). While Li isotopic signatures of the geothermal fluids collected from deep reservoirs were found to be homogeneous for a given site, the δ⁷Li signatures for each of these reservoirs were significantly different. The first low temperature (25-250 °C) experiments of Li isotope exchange during seawater/basalt interaction confirmed that Li isotopic exchange is strongly temperature dependent, as previously inferred from natural studies. Li isotopic fractionation ranged from +19.4‰ (Δ_{solution-solid}) at 25 °C to +6.7‰ at 250 °C. These experiments demonstrated the importance of Li isotopic fractionation during the formation of Li-bearing secondary minerals and allowed us to determine the following empirical relationship between isotopic fractionation and temperature: Δ_{solution-solid} = 7847/T − 8.093. Application of experimental results and literature data to the Bouillante area suggested that geothermal water was in equilibrium at 250-260 °C. It likely has a deep and large reservoir located in the upper sheeted dike complex of the oceanic crust, just below the transition zone between andesite volcanic flows and the basaltic dikes. The upper dike section, from which Li is extracted by hydrothermal fluids, was characterized by light Li isotopic values in the rocks, indicating retention of ⁶Li by the altered rocks. For the Lamentin and Diamant areas, the geothermal fluids appeared to be in equilibrium with reservoir volcano-sedimentary rocks at 90-120 °C and 180 °C, respectively. Further evidence for this argument is provided by the fact that only the Na/Li thermometric relationship determined for sedimentary basins yielded temperature values in agreement with those measured or estimated for the reservoir fluids. This suggests the importance of a sedimentary signature in these reservoir rocks. Altogether, this study highlights that the use of Li isotopic systematics is a powerful tool for characterizing the origin of geothermal waters as well as the nature of their reservoir rocks.     

Hydrogeochemistry and geothermometry of the Jowshan thermal springs, Central Iran

Jowshan geothermal system comprises 6 thermal springs with outlet temperatures ranging from 39.3 to 46.6°C. The thermal water of these springs is presently used for swimming and as a treatment for rheumatism, sinusitis and skin diseases. The pH value of these springs is slightly acidic to neutral and the electrical conductivities about 1500 μS/Cm. The presence of many faults in the area, the alignment of all springs along the Sirch Fault and the similar chemical and isotopic composition of all springs in combination with the hydrogeological setting and geochemistry of water samples indicate that these springs are associated with deep circulation of meteoric water. According to this heating mechanism, meteoric waters infiltrate through fault openings to depth and after heating by geothermal gradient rise to the ground surface due to the hydraulic and buoyancy forces, a mechanism which is common in the southern parts of Iran. The use of various chemical geothermometers and mineral equilibrium states suggests a range of temperature about 50–90°C for the reservoir of Jowshan geothermal system.     

Mineral equilibria and geothermometry of the Dalaman–Köyceğiz thermal springs,southern Turkey

The Dalaman and Köyceğiz thermal springs are from karstic limestones belonging to Upper Cretaceous to Burdigalian Beydağları autochthon and Carboniferous to Lutetian Lycian nappes. They have measured temperatures of 24– 41 °C, specific electrical conductivities of 14,310–45,600 μS/cm, and are dominated by Na (1550–8500 mg/kg) and Cl (2725–15,320 mg/kg). The heat source of the geothermal systems of the area is tectonic related and the occurrence of the thermal springs is related to the young normal faults. Meteoric waters and seawaters recharge the reservoir rocks, are heated at depth with increasing geothermal gradient, and move up to the surface through the fractures and faults by convection trend and emerge as thermal springs. While thermal waters move up to the surface, they mix with different proportions of seawater and cold fresh waters. The seawater contribution to the thermal waters varies from 24% to 78%. Lake waters in the area are connected with thermal waters. Consequently, their chemical composition is influenced by the chemistry of thermal waters. Chemical equilibrium modelling based on measured outlet temperatures and measured pH shows that all the waters are oversaturated with respect to quartz and K-mica and undersaturated with respect to Al(OH)₃, anorthite, gypsum, siderite and SiO₂(a). Albite, alunite, aragonite, Ca-montmorillonite, calcite, chalcedony, chlorite, dolomite, Fe(OH)₃(a), fluorite, gypsum, illite, K-feldspar, kaolinite and sepiolite minerals are mostly oversaturated or undersaturated. Mineral saturation studies of the thermal springs indicate that dolomite, chalcedony and quartz are most likely to cause scaling at outlet conditions. Assessments from various chemical geothermometers, and Na–K–Mg ternary and mineral equilibrium diagrams suggest that the reservoir temperature is around 65–90 °C. The temperatures obtained from quartz, quartz-steam loss, Mg/Li geothermometers and mineral equilibrium diagrams give the most reasonable results.     

Aquifer chemistry of four high-temperature geothermal systems in Iceland

The deep water feeding wet-steam wells in four high-temperature geothermal areas in Iceland have highly variable salinity as reflected in the chlorine concentrations which vary from 20 to 19000 ppm. Using available values for equilibrium constants, the activities of 26 chemical species involving the major components of the reservoir water have been calculated and quantitative evaluations of solute/ solute, mineral/solute chemical equilibria in these geothermal systems have been made.The unflashed reservoir water is just saturated with calcite. The saline geothermal waters, which represent heated sea-water, are just saturated with anhydrite, but the dilute waters, which are of meteoric origin, are somewhat undersaturated with this mineral. The fluoride mobility is thought to be limited by an ionic exchange reaction where F^? replaces some of the OH^? in the layered silicates. The pH of the unflashed reservoir water is governed by ionic exchange equilibrium in which all the major cations participitate. At a given temperature it seems likely that the activity of one cation fixes the activities of all the other major cations and hydrogen ion. If this is so and we take all the other chemical equilibria which have been demonstrated to exist for granted, it turns out that the major element composition of the unflashed high-temperature geothermal waters is controlled by two independent variables only. These variables are the temperature and the supply to the water of the incompatible element chlorine, incompatible indicating that this element is not incorporated in the geothermal minerals.     

Mixing processes in hydrothermal spring systems and implications for interpreting geochemical data: a case study in the Cappadocia region of Turkey

Mixing is a dominant hydrogeological process in the hydrothermal spring system in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. All springs emerge along faults, which have the potential to transmit waters rapidly from great depths. However, mixing with shallow meteoric waters within the flow system results in uncertainty in the interpretation of geochemical results. The chemical compositions of cold and warm springs and geothermal waters are varied, but overall there is a trend from Ca–HCO₃ dominated to Na–Cl dominated. There is little difference in the seasonal ionic compositions of the hot springs, suggesting the waters are sourced from a well-mixed reservoir. Based on δ¹⁸O and δ²H concentrations, all waters are of meteoric origin with evidence of temperature equilibration with carbonate rocks and evaporation. Seasonal isotopic variability indicates that only a small proportion of late spring and summer precipitation forms recharge and that fresh meteoric waters move rapidly into the flow system and mix with thermal waters at depth. ³H and percent modern carbon (pmC) values reflect progressively longer groundwater pathways from cold to geothermal waters; however, mixing processes and the very high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) of the water samples preclude the use of either isotope to gain any insight on actual groundwater ages.     

Geothermal potential of Egypt

One hundred and sixty samples of groundwater from nearly all parts of Egypt have been collected and chemically analyzed in order to assess the country's geothermal potential. The samples considered to be thermal include 20 wells (T > 35°C), 4 springs (T > 30°C) and 1 spring not included in the present inventory. The remaining samples, together with data from the literature, establish background chemistry. The hottest springs are located along the east shore of the Gulf of Suez: Uyun Musa (48°C) and 'Ain Hammam Faraoun (70°C). Additional warm springs are located along both shores of the Gulf of Suez and this region is the most promising for geothermal development. The Eastern Desert of Egypt, particularly the coastal area adjacent to the Red Sea has above normal heat flow ( ~ 72.0 < mWm⁻²) and therefore some geothermal potential although only one thermal well (Umm Kharga: 35.8°C) could be located, In the major oases of the Western Desert (Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra and Bahariya), the regional temperature gradient is low (< 20°C/km), but many of the wells tap deep artesian aquifers and produce large volumes of water in the 35–43°C range. Such wells constitute a low temperature geothermal resource. None of our samples in northern Egypt can be considered thermal including several reported “hot springs.” Application of the silica, NaKCa. and NaKCaMg geothermometers does not indicate the presence of a high temperature geothermal resource at any area we visited.