Oxygen and carbon isotope zonations of wall rocks around the Kamioka Pb---Zn skarn deposits, central Japan: application to prospecting

Mapping of the oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of hydrothermally altered wall rocks was conducted during blind ore prospecting for Pb---Zn skarn deposits in the Kamioka mining district, central Japan. The wall rocks consist of heterogeneous rock units. Oxygen and carbon isotope ratios were determined for 35 limestones and 33 silicate rocks from the area around the Mozumi deposit (3 km × 3 km) in the Kamioka mining district. The results (δ¹⁸O_spsmow of − 1.1 to + 17.3% and δ¹³C_sppdb of − 5.0 to +4.8% for limestones, and δ¹⁸O_spsmow of −0.8 to + 12.5% for silicate rocks) show isotope zonations of the wall rocks, with lighter isotopic compositions toward the center of mineralization. The isotope zonations likely formed by interaction of thermal waters with the wall rocks during skarn mineralization. The isotopically light zone indicates a higher paleotemperature or higher water-to-rock ratios, and occurs in the footwall of the 7Gohi fault. This structure is spatially related to the distribution of orebodies, indicating that the fault was the main conduit of the ore-forming fluids. The oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of limestones vary regularly across limestone bodies hosted by the silicate wall rocks, suggesting that the thermal waters were pervasive throughout the wall rocks at the time of mineralization.An isotopically light zone was also found in the southeastern corner of the study area, where significant mineralization had yet to be identified. This suggested an extension of the extinct hydrothermal system to this area, and the possibility of hidden orebodies underneath. Recent drilling in this area has intercepted a zone 45 m thick with a grade of 13.4% Zn, 0.03% Pb and 8 g per metric ton at about 380 m depth.     

Fluid inclusions in late minerals from the paleovalley-type uranium deposits of the West Siberian ore region: Thermochemical characteristics and genetic applications

Comprehensive microthermometric investigations revealed similar temperature ranges (280–120°C) for the formation of late carbonates in the Khokhlovskoe, Semizbai, and Malinovskoe deposits of the West Siberian uranium ore region. A close chemical similarity was definitely established between the solutions of fluid inclusions and thermal nitrogen-methane waters with elevated CO₂ concentrations typical of this region in general. It was noted that such CO₂-rich mineral waters (Yessentuki no. 4 type) are common in the Mesozoic sequences of the Shadrinsk region, where Transuralian uranium deposits occur, and are similar in composition and temperature to the modern CO₂-rich formation waters of the host sequences of the Khokhlovskoe deposit. The mineralogical and geochemical features of newly formed late minerals and uranium ores were considered as the most probable reflection of the exfiltration of such thermal solutions into the host levels. Two late mineral assemblages were distinguished: (1) hematite-calcite and (2) goethite-berthierine and goethite-smectite-chlorite with siderite or goethite-kaolinite-illite with siderite; they occur both in the host sequences and in the underlying basement rocks. The development of the latter assemblage causes a significant change in rock color (bleaching); it is widespread and was observed in all the deposits. It was shown that these altered rocks and uranium ores (especially high-grade) are very similar in mineral and chemical composition to the products of acid leaching and accompanying mineralization, which could be related to low-temperature argillization. It was suggested that exogenic epigenetic processes of ancient soil-bedrock oxidation contributed certainly to the development of uranium mineralization, and the modern character of the uranium ores and their host rocks is related to a large extent to the influence of hydrothermal CO₂-rich solutions related to the neotectonic activation of the region. This resulted in the development of their specific mineral and chemical compositions and corresponding technological characteristics. It seems expedient to estimate the possible contributions of exogenic and endogenic factors to the formation of the uranium mineralization rather than oppose the roles of these processes of different stages.     

Meteoric water-basalt interactions. II: A field study in N.E. Iceland

The compositions of rain, snow, melt, spring and geothermal waters from the rift zone of N.E. Iceland can be explained by seaspray addition, chemical fractionation at the seawater-air interface, burning of fossil fuel, farming activities, purification by partial melting of snow and ice, dissolution of basalts and buffering by alteration minerals. The dissolution of the rocks appears to be incongruent. During solute acquisition, spring compositions move through the stability fields of kaolinite and smectite to the laumontite and illite fields. All but four of the springs are undersaturated with respect to calcite. Silica concentrations are compatible with the solubility of basaltic glass. The reactions reflected in the spring waters appear to have taken place sealed off from atmospheric CO₂ after initial saturation.The geothermal waters which are recharged by the spring waters are depleted in Mg and Ca but enriched in carbon and sulfur with respect to dissolution of primary rocks. Expressions are derived relating dissolution rates of rocks, age of groundwaters, physical properties of groundwaters and mass transfer. The characteristic rock particle radii in the cold water aquifers range from 0.2 to 2 cm and the characteristic crack openings are of the order 0.04 to 0.4 cm. Using laboratory studies on the Icelandic lavas as a guide, the residence times of the cold waters in the aquifers can be estimated at 60 days to 4 years. The average active surface area of the aquifers enclosing 1000 g of spring water is of the order of 0.6 to 6 m² and these 1000 g of water have reacted with 0.1 to 1 g of basaltic rocks. The same mass of thermal water has interacted with 100 to 300 g of unaltered rocks.     

Genesis of tin and tantalum mineralization in pegmatites from the Bynoe area,Pine Creek Geosyncline,Northern Territory

The tin‐ and tantalum‐bearing pegmatites of the Bynoe area are located in the western Pine Creek Geosyncline. They are emplaced within psammopelitic rocks in the contact aureole of the Two Sisters Granite. The latter is a Palaeoproterozoic, fractionated, granite with S‐type characteristics and comprises a syn‐ to late‐orogenic, variably foliated, medium‐grained biotite granite and a post‐orogenic, coarse‐grained biotite‐muscovite granite. The pegmatites comprise a border zone of fine grained muscovite + quartz followed inward by a wall zone of coarse grained muscovite + quartz which is in turn followed by an intermediate zone of quartz + feldspar + muscovite. A core zone of massive quartz is present in some occurrences. Feldspars in the intermediate zone are almost completely altered to kaolinite. This zone contains the bulk of cassiterite, tantalite and columbite mineralization. Fluid inclusions in pegmatitic quartz indicate that early Type A (CO₂ + H₂O ± CH₄) inclusions were trapped at the H₂O‐CO₂ solvus at P～100 MPa, T～300°C (range 240–328°C) and salinity ～6 wt% eq NaCl. Pressure‐salinity corrected temperatures on Type B (H₂O + ～20% vapour), C (H₂O + < 15% vapour) and D (H₂O + halite + vapour) inclusions also fall within the range of Type A inclusions. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope data show that kaolin was either formed in isotopic equilibrium with meteoric waters or subsequent to its formation, from hydrothermal fluid, underwent isotopic exchange with meteoric waters. Fluid inclusion waters from core zone quartz show enrichment in deuterium suggesting metamorphic influence. Isotope values on muscovite are consistent with a magmatic origin. It is suggested that the pegmatites were derived from the post‐orogenic phase of the Two Sisters Granite. Precipitation of cassiterite took place at about 300°C from an aqueous fluid largely as a result of increase in pH due to feldspar alteration.     

Permeabilities and Chemical Properties of Water in Crystalline Rocks of the Black Forest, Germany

Investigations were carried out to determine the hydraulic and hydrochemical properties of crystalline rocks in the Black Forest of Germany and neighbouring regions. Rock permeabilities (K) were determined to a depth of 3500 m. These parameters range from K = 3.5 × 10-10 ms-1 to K = 8.7 × 10-5 ms-1; and can increase up to an order of magnitude which is typical for porous aquifers. It is shown that on an average, granites are more pervious than gneisses and only the permeabilities of gneisses decrease with depth. The geochemistry of natural waters in crystalline rocks is not constant, but varies with depth and location. The concentration increases with depth and the water-type changes from a Ca–-Na–-HCO 3-type (or Na–-Ca–-HCO3–-) at shallow depths to a Na–-Cl-type at greater depths. Thermal springs are found only in granitic rocks with on average higher permeabilities than in gneisses. Thermal waters are welling up in valleys at the bottom of steep mountains. The chemical composition of thermal spring water is identical to that of water found at greater depths. Using geothermometers it is found, that the depth of the deposits of thermal spring water in the crystalline basement rocks of the Black Forest is some 1000 m below the surface. The topographic relief in the mountains induces a deep circulation of infiltrating rain-water with an upwelling as thermal springs in the valleys.     

Remobilisation of deep Na-Cl waters by a regional flow system in the Alps: Case study of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (France)

The hydrothermal system of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France is located in a south western low-elevation point of the Aiguilles Rouges crystalline Massif. The crystalline rocks are not directly outcropping in the studied area but certainly exist beyond 300 m depth. Uprising waters are pumped from two different aquifers below the Quaternary deposits of the Bon Nant Valley. In the Lower Trias-Permian aquifer crossed by De Mey boreholes (27–36 °C), the ascending Na-SO₄ and high-Cl thermal water from the basement (4.8 g/L) is mostly mixed by a Ca-SO₄ and low-Cl cold water circulating in the autochthonous cover of the Aiguilles Rouges Basement. The origin of the saline thermal water probably results from infiltration and circulation in the basement until it reaches deep thrust faults with leaching of residual brines or fluid inclusions at depth (Cl/Br molar ratio lower than 655). The dissolution of Triassic halite (Cl/Br > 1000) is not possible at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains because the Triassic cold waters have a low-Cl concentration (< 20 mg/L). Water–rock interactions occur during the upflow via north–south strike-slip faults in the basement and later on in the autochthonous cover. For the De Mey Est borehole, gypsum dissolution is occurring with cationic exchanges involving Na, as well as low-temperature Mg dissolution from dolomite in the Triassic formations. The aquifer of imbricated structures (Upper-Middle Trias) crossed by the Lépinay well (39 °C) contains thermal waters, which are strongly mixed with a low-Cl water, where gypsum dissolution also occurs. The infiltration area for the thermal end-member is in the range 1700–2100 m, close to the Lavey-les-Bains hydrothermal system corresponding to the Aiguilles Rouges Massif. For the Ca-SO₄ and low-Cl end-member, the infiltration area is lower (1100–1300 m) showing circulation from the Mont Joly Massif. The geothermometry method indicates a reservoir temperature of probably up to 65 °C but not exceeding 100 °C.     

Geochemistry and origin of saline groundwaters in the Fennoscandian Shield

Chemical and isotopic analyses of water from drill holes and mines throughout the Fennoscandian Shield show that distinct layers of groundwater are present. An upper layer of fresh groundwater is underlain by several sharply differentiated saline layers, which may differ in salinity, relative abundance of solutes, and O, H, Sr and S isotope signature. Saline groundwater can be classified into four major groups based on geochemistry and presumed origin. Brackish and saline waters from 50–200 m depth in coastal areas around the Baltic Sea exhibit distinct marine chemical and isotopic fingerprints, modified by reactions with host rocks. These waters represent relict Holocene seawater. Inland, three types of saline groundwater are observed: an uppermost layer of brackish and saline water from 300–900 m depth; saline water and brines from 1000–2000 m depth; and superdeep brines which have been observed to a depth of at least 11 km in the drill hole on the Kola Peninsula, U.S.S.R. Electrical and seismic studies in shield areas suggest that such brines are commonly present at even greater depths. The salinity of all inland groundwaters is attributed predominantly to water-rock interaction. The main solutes are Cl, Ca, Na and Mg in varying proportions, depending on the host rock lithology. The abundance of dissolved gases increases with depth but varies from site to site. The main gas components are N₂, CH₄ (up to 87 vol.%) and locally H₂. The δ¹³C value for methane is highly variable (−25 to −46%), and it is suggested that hydrothermal or metamorphic gases trapped within the surrounding rocks are the most obvious source of CH₄. The uppermost saline water has meteoric oxygen-hydrogen isotopic compositions, whereas values from deeper water plot above the meteoric water line, indicating considerably longer mean residence time and effective low temperature equilibration with host rocks. Geochemical and isotopic results from some localities demonstrate that the upper saline water cannot have been formed through simple mixing between fresh water and deep brines but rather is of independent origin. The source of water itself has not been satisfactorily verified although superdeep brines at least may contain a significant proportion of relict Precambrian hydrothermal or metamorphic fluids.     

Discrimination Study on Fluid—Rock Interaction Between Metallogenic and Non—Metallogenic Sections in a Shear Zone

Discriminations in a local chemical,fluidal,mechanical and thermal processes in a shear zone will lead to metallogenic differentiation in a local section.This paper,based on the general geological setting of the Shibangou gold deposit in Xixia,Henan,deals with petrological and petrochemical samples of altered rocks in the metallogenic section and of mylonites in the non-metallogenic section of a selected shear zone.The discriminations in fluid-rock interaction and petrological mass balance between altered rocks near the orebody and mylonites in the shear zone are discussed as well.The results show that the petrological volume of altered rocks in the metallogenic section of the shear zone is almost always dilatant and the mylonite volume in the non-metallogenic section is almost always lost.Major elements in altered rocks from the metallogenic section and in mylonites from the non-metallogenic section always show a tendency of being enriched and depleted,respectively.Fluid-rock ratios in the mylonites(Nu=93.68-468.40)are larger than those of the altered rocks(NC(Ⅳ）^s=36.11-216.67).The gain and loss of major and trace elements from the altered rocks and mylonites in the shear zone are a composite process to be imported and exported by percolating fluids as well as of the loss and dilatancy of rock volume.     

Holocene meteoric dolomitization of Pleistocene limestones, North Jamaica

Wholesale removal of the unstable carbonate phases aragonite and Mg-calcite, and precipitation of calcite and dolomite is currently taking place where phreatic waters (the modern water table) invade 120,000-year-old Pleistocene biolithites (Falmouth Formation), North Jamaica. Pleistocene rocks presently in the vadose zone are relatively unaltered, and consist of mineralogically unstable scleractinian biolithites. At the water table, a narrow zone of solution, a ‘water table cave’ is commonly encountered. Below the water table the rocks are invariably more highly altered than those above. Mg-calcites are very rare, and considerable dissolution of aragonite has commonly occurred. Dolomite occurs as 8–25 μm, subhedral to euhedral crystals replacing micrite, or precipitated as void linings. The isotopic composition of the dolomite (δO¹⁸=-1·0 %0, δC¹³=-8·4 %0), and its high strontium content (3000 p.p.m.) suggest precipitation as CO₂-oversaturated meteoric groundwaters invade the mineralogically unstable biolithites, dissolve Mg-calcites and Sr-rich aragonites, and de-gas. Because some dolomitized rocks are enriched in magnesium relative to unaltered biolithites, addition of magnesium to the system is necessitated, and is probably derived from sea water in the mixing zone. Phreatic meteoric diagenesis is thus demonstrated to be a rapid process, and to be capable of dolomitization.     

Geochemistry of hydrothermal alteration at the Roosevelt hot springs thermal area,Utah

Hot spring deposits in the Roosevelt thermal area consist of opaline sinter and sintercemented alluvium. Alluvium, plutonic rocks, and amphibolite-facies gneiss have been altered by acidsulfate water to alunite and opal at the surface, and alunite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, and muscovite to a depth of 70 m. Marcasite, pyrite, chlorite, and calcite occur below the water table at about 30 m.The thermal water is dilute (ionic strength 0.1–0.2) sodium-chloride brine. The spring water now contains 10 times as much Ca, 100 times as much Mg, and up to 2.5 times as much SO₄ as the deep water. Although the present day spring temperature is 25°C, the temperature was 85°C in 1950.A model for development of the observed alteration is supported by observation and irreversible mass transfer calculations. Hydrothermal fluid convectively rises along major fractures. Water cools by conduction and steam separation, and the pH rises due to carbon dioxide escape. At the surface, hydrogen and sulfate ions are produced by oxidation of H₂S. The low pH water percolates downward and reacts with feldspar in the rocks to produce alunite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, and muscovite as hydrogen ion is consumed.     

Conditions of the formation of thermomineral waters in the Talysh fold zone of the Lesser Caucasus (Azerbaijan) based on isotope-geochemical data (3Не/4Не, $${\delta ^{13}}{C_{c{o_2}}},{\delta ^{13}}{C_{c{h_4}}},{\delta ^{15}}{N_{{N_2}}}{,^{87}}Sr{/^{86}}Sr,\delta {D_{{H_2}O}},and{\delta ^{18}}{O_{{H_2}O}}$$)

It is shown that the gas and water phases of the thermal nitrogen–methane waters in the Talysh fold zone of the Lesser Caucasus mountain system contain helium and strontium with mantle isotope signatures (³Не/⁴Не from 200 × 10^–8 to 401 × 10^–8 and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr from 0.70490 to 0.70562). At the same time, clear signs of the mantle component in other gases (nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide) are absent. The δ¹⁵N value in nitrogen varies from +0.3 to +1.7‰, methane is mainly characterized by δ¹³C from–57.4 to–38.0‰, while δ¹³C(CО₂) varies from–24.4 to–11.3‰. An increase of the CО₂ content is accompanied by the decrease of δ¹³C in CО₂, against the background of increasing SO₄ content in the salt composition of waters. This indicates a microbial nature of CO₂ in the studied gases. Thus, the presence of mantle helium and strontium in the thermal waters is likely related to their leaching from the Pleogene–Neogene host volcanic rocks. The studies of the oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition in water revealed quite different mechanisms for the formation of cold and thermal waters of the region. The cold waters are mainly fed by local infiltration, whereas the feeding of thermal nitrogen–methane waters is strongly provided by transit atmogenic waters (>50%), which are formed in the mountain ranges at altitudes no less than 1600 m and spaced at 20–40 km or more from the thermal discharge sites.     

Hydrogeochemical and hydrogeological investigations of thermal waters in the Usak Area (Turkey)

Thermal waters of the Usak area have temperatures ranging from 33 to 63°C and different chemical compositions. These waters hosted by the Menderes Metamorphic rocks emerge along fault lineaments from two geothermal reservoirs in the area. The first reservoir consists of gneiss, schists, and marbles of the Menderes Metamorphic rocks. The recorded reservoir is Pliocene lacustrine limestone. Hydrogeochemical studies indicate that thermal waters were mixed with surface waters before and/or after heating at depth. The results of mineral equilibrium modeling indicate that all the thermal waters are undersaturated at discharge temperatures for gypsum, anhydrite, and magnesite minerals. Calcite, dolomite, aragonite, quartz, and chalcedony minerals are oversaturated in all of the thermal waters. Water from the reservoir temperatures of the Usak area can reach upto120°C. According to δ¹⁸O and δ²H values, all thermal and cold groundwater are of meteoric origin.     

Chemistry,isotope values (δD, δ18O, δ34SSO4) and temperatures of the water inflows in two Gotthard tunnels,Swiss Alps

Water inflows in the Gotthard Highway Tunnel and in the Gotthard Exploration Tunnel are meteoric waters infiltrating at different elevations, on both sides of an important orographic divide. Limited interaction of meteoric waters with gneissic rocks produces Ca–HCO₃ and Na–Ca–HCO₃ waters, whereas prolonged interaction of meteoric waters with the same rocks generates Na–HCO₃ to Na–SO₄ waters. Waters circulating in Triassic carbonate-evaporite rocks have a Ca–SO₄ composition. Calcium-Na–SO₄ waters are also present. They can be produced through interaction of either Na–HCO₃ waters with anhydrite or Ca–SO₄ waters with a local gneissic rock, as suggested by reaction path modeling. An analogous simulation indicates that Na–HCO₃ waters are generated through interaction of Ca–HCO₃ waters with a local gneissic rock. The two main SO₄-sources present in the Alps are leaching of upper Triassic sulfate minerals and oxidative dissolution of sulfide minerals of crystalline rocks. Values of δ³⁴S_SO4 < ∼+9‰ are due to oxidative dissolution of sulfide minerals, whereas δ³⁴S_SO4 >∼+9‰ are controlled either by bacterial SO₄ reduction or leaching of upper Triassic sulfate minerals. Most waters have temperatures similar to the expected values for a geothermal gradient of 22°C/km and are close to thermal equilibrium with rocks. However relatively large, descending flows of cold waters and ascending flows of warm waters are present in both tunnels and determine substantial cooling and heating, respectively, of the interacting rocks. The most import upflow zone of warm, Na-rich waters is below Guspisbach, in the Gotthard Highway Tunnel, at 6.2–9.0 km from the southern portal. These warm waters have equilibrium temperatures of 65–75°C and therefore constitute an important low-enthalpy geothermal resource.     

The thermal and mineral springs of Aitoloakarnania Prefecture: function mechanism and origin of groundwater

The study area is located in the northwestern part of Greece, in Aitoloakarnania prefecture. In this region, where no volcanic activity exists, thermal springs such as Kremasta and Kokkino Stefani, well-known for their healing properties occur. The objective of this study was the investigation of these springs, as well as the study of the chemical composition and origin of water. Relationships between these springs were also examined. The geological setting of the area comprises sedimentary rocks of the Pindos, Gavrovo-Tripolis and Ionian geotectonic zones, deformed by orogenic movements followed by Neogene extensional tectonism. The thermal and mineral springs were classified into three main groups. The first group is characterized by Ca-HCO₃ water type and low water temperatures. It corresponds to the springs that are hosted in the Ionian zone and their possible enrichment in SO₄ is mainly attributed to the evaporites. The other two groups consist of alkaline thermal water mainly hosted in the formations of Gavrovo-Tripolis zone. In these two groups, the very strong reducing conditions that prevail are expressed by high amounts of NH₃ and H₂S. Moreover, Na, F, Li, Sr and Ba display elevated concentrations. The second includes mineral waters of (Ca)-Na-HCO₃ type that are depleted in calcium. Their residence time is rather long and they originate from deep water circulation through siliceous rocks. The third group includes thermal waters of Ca-Mg-Na-HCO₃ water type of higher water temperatures that reveal characteristics of deep circulation directly associated with the underlain limestones.     

瑶岗仙“五层楼”式脉钨矿床围岩蚀变研究

我国华南脉钨矿床的围岩蚀变,前人已有较为广泛的研究。“五层楼”式脉钨矿床的形态分带及其区域多阶段矿化规律的揭示,为研究各成矿阶段的围岩蚀变特征提出了新的课题。     

Geochemical patterns and origin of alkaline thermal waters in Central Greece (Platystomo and Smokovo areas)

This study investigates the origin and chemical composition of the thermal waters of Platystomo and Smokovo areas in Central Greece as well as any possible relationships of them to the neighboring geothermal fields located in the south-eastern part of Sperchios basin. The correlations between different dissolved salts and the temperature indicate that the chemical composition of thermal waters are controlled by, the mineral dissolution and the temperature, the reactions due to CO₂ that originates possibly by diffusion from the geothermal fields of Sperchios basin and the mixing of thermal waters with fresh groundwater from karst or shallow aquifers. Two major groups of waters are recognized on the basis of their chemistry: thermal waters of Na–HCO₃–Cl type and thermal waters mixed with fresh groundwater of Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃ type. All thermal waters of the study area are considered as modified by water–rock interaction rainwater, heated in depth and mixed in some cases with fresh groundwater when arriving to the surface. Trace elements present low concentrations. Lithium content suggests discrimination between the above two groups of waters. Boron geochemistry confirms all the above remarks. Boron concentration ranges from 60 μg L^?1 to 10 mg L^?1, while all samples’ constant isotopic composition (δ¹¹B ≈ 10 ‰) indicates leaching from rocks. The positive correlation between the chemical elements and the temperature clearly indicates that much of the dissolved salts are derived from water–rock interactions. The application of geothermometers suggests that the reservoir temperature is around 100–110 °C. Chalcedony temperatures are similar to the emergent temperatures and this is typical of convective waters in fault systems in normal thermal gradient areas.     

Stable isotopic and mineralogical studies of hydrothermal alteration at Arima Spa,Southwest Japan

The waters of Arima Spa, Southwest Japan, have high salinity (Cl = 54 g/kg) and high isotopic ratios (δD = − 32, and δ¹⁸O = + 10%.), and issue from shallow wells drilled into altered rhyolitic pyroclastic rocks of Cretaceous age.Alteration of the host rocks occurred in two stages. The earlier regional alteration stage is characterized by the presence of 2M- and IM-type muscovite, albite, chlorite, calcite and epidote, whereas muscovite and Fe-chlorite formation at the expense of partly albitized plagioclase and altered biotite or hornblende occurred in the following hydrothermal stage. Pyrite, sphalerite, galena and siderite are present in the central part of the hydrothermal alteration zone. Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic ratios of secondary muscovite show that regional alteration proceeded under the meteoric circulation, and that the hydrothermal fluid for the second stage had chemical and stable isotopic characteristics of non-meteoric origin similar to the present-day Arima brine. The oxygen and to a lesser extent the hydrogen isotopic ratios of the muscovite rapidly decrease with increasing distance from the central zone of hydrothermal alteration. The isotopic variation is best interpreted as reflecting rapidly decreasing fluid/rock ratios with increasing distance of fluid penetration from the narrow hydrothermal alteration zone into the surrounding area.Speciation computation for the present-day brines at Arima Spa indicates that they are saturated with siderite but not with calcite at depth, in good accord with the mineralogical observations. Upon ascent the brines are diluted by HCO₃-rich shallow ground water and are saturated with respect to both siderite and calcite. The present-day Arima hydrothermal system is a remnant of the second stage hydrothermal activity.     

河南省嵩县土岭村钼多金属矿地质特征及找矿方向

[摘 要] 通过对河南省嵩县土岭村钼多金属矿地质特征及成矿环境进行分析,认为土岭村钼多金属矿 有蚀变破碎带型和石英脉型两种。蚀变破碎带矿化以金为主,局部含钼,总体矿化较差;石英脉型在北部土岭 村一带以铅钼矿化为主,南部大西沟一带则以钼金矿化为主。矿体受三级火山机构、断裂及下伏的隐伏岩体 控制。石英脉型钼矿形成于熊耳晚期,为晚期火成岩岩浆热液沿早期流纹斑岩近水平节理及裂隙充填形成, 后期经下伏隐伏岩体形成的含矿热液叠加,出现铅钼矿化和金钼矿化。综合分析认为蚀变破碎带中的金钼矿 化较弱,找矿应以石英脉型矿化为主,同时应注重深部隐伏斑岩型钼矿的验证工作。     

Environmental problems at the Nevşehir (Kozakli) geothermal field,central Turkey

The Kozakli–Nev?ehir geothermal field extends a long a NW–SE direction at SE of the Centrum of Kozakli. The area is not rugged and average elevation is 1,000 m. The Kozanözü Creek flows towards north of the area. In the Kozakli thermal Spa area, thermal waters are manifested along a valley with a length of 1.5 km and 200 m width. In this resort some hot waters are discharged with no use. The thermal water used in the area comes from wells drilled by MTA. In addition, these waters from wells are also utilized by hotels, baths and motels belonging to City Private Management, Municipality and private sector. The measured temperature of Kozakli waters ranges from 43–51°C in springs and 80–96°C in wells. Waters are issued in a wide swampy area as a small group of springs through buried faults. Electrical conductivity values of thermal spring and well waters are 1,650–3,595 μS/cm and pH values are 6.72–7.36. Kozakli cold water has an electrical conductivity value of 450 μS/cm and pH of 7.56. All thermal waters are dominated by Na⁺ and Cl–SO₄ while cold waters are dominated by Ca⁺² and HCO₃ ^?. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental problems around the Kozakli geothermal field and explain the mechanisms of karstic depression which was formed by uncontrolled use of thermal waters in this area and bring up its possible environmental threats. At the Kozakli geothermal field a sinkhole with 30 m diameter and 15 m depth occurred in January, 17th 2007 at the recreation area located 20 m west of the geothermal well which belongs to the government of Nev?ehir province. The management of the geothermal wells should be controlled by a single official institution in order to avoid the creation of such karstic structures affecting the environment at the source area.     

Geochemical indicators of a high-temperature geothermal system

The intensity and distribution of hydrothermal alteration are frequently used during the exploration and assessment of a geothermal prospect to estimate the size, shape and temperature of a thermal system. Geochemical and petrographic observations used to characterize the hydrothermal alteration include the mapping of both trace- and major-element dispersion patterns and the distribution of secondary mineral assemblages.This paper describes the trace-element and mineralogical distributions common to many of the high-temperature systems (> 150°C) that we have studied. However, examples of important geochemical relationships are primarily drawn from our detailed investigations of the Roosevelt Hot Springs thermal system in southern Utah. The hydrothermal fluids at Roosevelt Hot Springs are enriched in sodium chloride and contain approximately 9000 ppm total dissolved solids. The reservoir, with a base temperature near 270°C, is located in fractured gneisses and granites.At Roosevelt Hot Springs, the surface discharges consist of opaline and chalcedonic sinter, and alluvium cemented by silica, calcite, Mn oxide and Fe oxide. The geochemistry of these surface deposits is extremely variable, but locally they contain up to 5.5 ppm Hg, 858 ppm As, 18.8% Mn, 230 ppm Cu, 290 ppm Sb, 294 ppm W, 17 ppm Li, 68 ppm Pb, 26 ppm Zn, 4.9% Ba and 100 ppm Be. High concentrations of Au and Ag, although not present in the sinters at Roosevelt Hot Springs, occur in hot spring deposits from other chemically similar systems such as Steamboat Springs, Nevada.Mercury and As are the most widely distributed trace elements in the surface samples. Their distribution in soils overlying the thermal system expands the area of interest and helps define the high-temperature portion of the system. The highest concentrations of Hg and As, of up to 5.5 and 26 ppm, respectively, occur in soils within 300 m of the thermal discharges. A broader area extending up to 1000 m from the surficial thermal activity also contains ppb. Mercury anomalies tend to mark the location of faults within the uppermost portions of the reservoir and areas where the thermal fluids move laterally away from the thermal system toward the adjacent valley.Depletions of Mn, Cu and Zn are found in the acid-altered soils and in alluvium associated with the hot spring deposits and fumaroles. The acid alteration occurs locally in areas of surficial thermal activity and persists to depths of less than 60 m. Alteration minerals within these zones include alunite, jarosite, native sulphur, opal, chalcedony, kaolinite, sericite, montmorillonite, and mixed-layer clays. The formation of acid waters occurs near the surface and results from the oxidation of H₂S contained within gases evolving from the fumaroles or within waters discharged by the hot springs. The locally intense acid-sulphate alteration and scavenging of metals within the soils occurs as the fluids percolate downward.Alteration mineralogy at depth is determined through examination of down-hole samples which penetrate the geothermal system to depths in excess of 2 km. Reservoir rocks of temperatures below about 210°C contain an alteration assemblage with mixed-layer clays, montmorillonite, sericite, pyrite, hematite, magnetite, calcite, chlorite, quartz, and potassium feldspar. At higher temperatures, mixed-layer clays and montmorillonite disappear and anhydrite appears locally.Altered rocks within the high temperature portions of the thermal field are characterized by anomalous concentrations of As and Li. Selective chemical leaching of the altered rocks and electron microprobe analyses indicate that As is contained primarily in pyrite or iron oxides after pyrite whereas Li occurs in clays and micas.Mercury exhibits an inverse relationship with temperature and is concentrated in the cooler portions of the thermal system to depths marked approximately by the 200°C isotherm. This distribution is similar to the distribution of clay minerals in the reservoir rock. Heating experiments indicate that Hg occurs primarily as Hg° and that it is readily mobilized by the thermal system at temperatures in excess of 200–250°C.