A geoelectric model for the Uzon caldera,Kamchatka

The results of magnetotelluric and magnetovariational studies in the Uzon caldera are considered. An analysis of magnetotelluric parameters yielded the required method of interpretation. The MTS curves were interpreted in the framework of a 2D model using the REBOCC program. Geoelectric cross sections of the caldera were constructed along two orthogonal lines. Anomalies of high electrical conductivity were identified in the sediments and in the basement and were found to be confined to the locations of geothermal springs. The higher conductivity of these anomalies is here related to the presence of highly mineralized hydrothermal solutions. Electrical conductivity was used for an approximate estimation of porosity in the sediments and basement. A subvertical zone of higher porosity was identified at depths of 1.5–3.5 km in the caldera with a connection to the channelways of fluids rising into the sediments. It is hypothesized that highly mineralized solutions are diluted with vadose water in that zone and come through fissures onto the ground surface in the form of hot springs. The totality of these data suggested a conceptual model to characterize the main features in the generation of hydrothermal springs in the Uzon caldera.     

Composition and sources of organic matter and its solvent extractable components in surface sediments of a bay under serious anthropogenic influences: Daya Bay, China

Organic matter of nine surface sediments from the Daya Bay was Soxhlet-extracted with a mixture of 2:1 (v/v) dichloromethane-methanol and separated into five fractions: non-aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, and fatty acids and asphaltenes, and analyzed to determine their bulk and biomarker composition. Marine autogenic input appears to be a major source of organic matter. Generally, non-aromatic hydrocarbons are the most dominant fraction of solvent-extractable organic matter (EOM) followed by the other four fractions in decreasing amounts: fatty acids and asphaltenes, ketones, alcohols and aromatic hydrocarbons. On average, both non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction and fatty acid and asphaltene fraction account for approximately 40% of EOM. The sources of acyclic methyl ketones, alkanols and fatty acids were examined. For n-alkan-2-ones, allochthonous input is a more important source than marine autogenetic input; the reverse is true for n-fatty acids; for n-alkanols, allochthonous and autogenetic inputs seem comparable. Both n-alkan-2-ones and n-fatty acids in the surface sediments of different areas appear to be derived from common sources.     

The contribution of bacteria to organic matter in coal-measure source rocks

On the basis of GC–MS analysis, a suite of nine coal-measure source rocks(Ro 0.51%–0.63%) from the southern margin of Junggar basin was found to contain many biomarkers for bacterially-generated hydrocarbons:hopane, sesquiterpene, C₂₃+ monomethyl alkanes(even carbon predominance), and C₂₄+ alkyl cyclohexane.Rock–eval and microscope analysis indicate that vitrinite(especially desmocollinite and homocollinite) plays a significant role in the generation of hydrocarbons in coalmeasure source rocks. Vitrinite performs this role by absorbing ultramicroscopic organic matter, generally in the form of resins or bacterial plastids. C₂₃+ monomethyl alkanes(even carbon predominance) and C₂₄+ alkyl cyclohexane series compounds are derived from bacterial metabolites of higher plants. The ultramicro organic matter adsorbed by vitrinite source rocks in the study area is probably ultramicro bacterial plastids. Because the organic matter of higher plants with low hydrogen content has been transformed into organic matter rich in hydrogen by bacteria, the hydrocarbon generation capacity of source rocks is greatly improved. In other words, in coal-measure source rocks, bacteria play an important role in hydrocarbon generation.     

Eine einfache empirische Korrelation für die Wasserlöslichkeit von Kohlenwasserstoffen,Alkoholen, Ketonen und Estern

From data given in literature for the water solubility of organic compounds (17 alkanes, 9 alkylbenzenes, 5 cycloalkanes, 28 alcohols, 8 ketones and 12 esters) by means of linear multiple regression dependences between solubility and structural parameters (C-number, molecule radius, functional group) are estimated. It is found that the functional group and the C-number have the greatest influence. If the three parameters are used, one gets a correlation with an error of 27%.     

Nature and Estimated Human Toxicity of Polar Metabolite Mixtures in Groundwater Quantified as TPHd/DRO at Biodegrading Fuel Release Sites

Polar metabolites resulting from petroleum biodegradation are measured in groundwater samples as TPHd unless a silica gel cleanup (SGC) is used on the sample extract to isolate hydrocarbons. Even though the metabolites can be the vast majority of the dissolved organics present in groundwater, SGC has been inconsistently applied because of regulatory concern about the nature and toxicity of the metabolites. A two‐step approach was used to identify polar compounds that were measured as TPHd in groundwater extracts at five sites with biodegrading fuel sources. First, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was used to identify and quantify 57 individual target polar metabolites. Only one of these compounds—dodecanoic acid, which has low potential human toxicity—was detected. Second, nontargeted analysis was used to identify as many polar metabolites as possible using both GC‐MS and GC×GC‐MS. The nontargeted analysis revealed that the mixture of polar metabolites identified in groundwater source areas at these five sites is composed of approximately equal average percentages of organic acids, alcohols and ketones, with few phenols and aldehydes. The mixture identified in downgradient areas at these five sites is dominated by acids, with fewer alcohols, far fewer ketones, and very few aldehydes and phenols. A ranking system consistent with systems used by USEPA and the United Nations was developed for evaluating the potential chronic oral toxicity to humans of the different classes of identified polar metabolites. The vast majority of the identified polar metabolites have a “Low” toxicity profile, and the mixture of identified polar metabolites present in groundwater extracts at these five sites is unlikely to present a significant risk to human health.     

Monitoring unrest in a large silicic caldera,the long Valley-inyo craters volcanic complex in east-central California

Recent patterns of geologic unrest in long Valley caldera in east-central California emphasize that this large, silicic volcanic system and the adjacent, geologically youthful Inyo-Mono Craters volcanic chain are still active and capable of producing locally hazardous volcanic eruptions. A series of four magnitude -6 earthquakes in May 1980 called attention to this current episode of unrest, and subsequent activity has included numerous earthquake swarms in the south moat of the caldera accompanied by inflation of the resurgent dome by more than 50 cm over the last five years. The seismicity associated with this unrest is currently monitored by a network of 31 telemetered seismic stations with an automatic processing system that yelds hypocentral locations and earthquake magnitudes in near-real time. Deformation of the ground is monitored by a) a series of overlapping trilateration networks that provide coverage ranging from annual measurements of regional deformation to daily measurements of deformation local to the active, southern section of the caldera, b) a regional network of level lines surveyed annually, c) a regional network of precise gravity stations occupied annually, d) local, L-shaped level figures surveyed every few months, and e) a network of fourteen borehole tiltmeter clusters (two instruments in each cluster) and a borehole dilatometer, the telemetered signals from which provide continuous data on deformation rates. Additional telemetered data provide continuous information on fluctuations in the local magnetic field, hydrogen gas emission rates at three sites, and water level and temperatures in three wells. Continuous data on disharge rates and temperatures from hot springs and fumaroles are collected by several on-site recorders within the caldera, and samples for liquid and gas chemistry are collected several times per year from selected hot springs and fumaroles.     

Efficiency of partial water removal during transmission of steam-water mixture on geothermal fields

The partial water removal from a steam-water mixture before transmission to prevent a pipeline from entering pulsation mode and to increase the flow of the heat carrier coming to the geothermal power plant is considered in this paper. It was found that the measure proposed does not solve the pulsation problem, while the flow is to be increased by the analysis of specific wells productivity plots and pipeline capacities. A technique for the analysis is proposed. Specifically, for well 037 of the Mutnovskii Field, partial removal of water is not advised.     

Estimating the influence of filtering during the operation of the Pauzhetka and Mutnovskii high-temperature geothermal fields,Kamchatka, Russia

It is shown that the productive reservoir received considerable quantities of meteoric water during the operation of the Pauzhetka geothermal field (1960–2007), which amounted to 30% of the total with-drawal of heat carrier. This led to cooling of the productive reservoir and reduced steam extraction. Modeling the operation process with the infiltration zones sealed shows that steam extraction can be enhanced by 23.2%. Multi-option modeling for the operation of the Dachnyi site of the Mutnovskii geothermal field shows that the most-likely scenario is infiltration of meteoric water with a discharge of about 60 kg/s into the productive reservoir from above. These results are consistent with the decrease in the steam concentration during the first 4 years of operation.     

Oxygen-Containing Compounds Identified in Groundwater from Fuel Release Sites Using GCxGC-TOF-MS

This research continues a 7-year study of oxygen-containing organic compounds present in groundwater at gasoline and diesel fuel release sites that are quantified as diesel-range “total petroleum hydrocarbons” when measured by methods utilizing solvent extraction and gas chromatography. Two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to tentatively identify 1162 compounds (TICs) in 113 groundwater samples from 22 sites. Samples were collected from wells either upgradient of the release, within the source zone, or downgradient of the source but still within the plume of dissolved organics associated with release. The names and formulas of all TICs found in samples from each well type are presented and the results from upgradient and downgradient locations are compared in detail. About 60% of the most frequently detected TICs in downgradient wells were also detected in upgradient wells. A majority of these were saturated straight chain alkyl acids, commonly called fatty acids, or fatty acid esters. Of TICs frequently detected in downgradient wells but not upgradient wells, over half were branched alkyl alcohols. Hierarchical cluster analysis results suggest about 80% of the chemical composition of downgradient samples is more similar to upgradient samples than to source area samples. This similarity is due to the presence of the same types of fatty acids and esters. Principal component analysis indicates a continuum of biodegradation between the source area and downgradient samples with the latter becoming more consistent with upgradient samples. Results suggest some TICs may not be petroleum degradation intermediates but compounds synthesized by microorganisms through secondary production and carbon cycling.     

Organic Contamination of Ground Water at Gas Works Park, Seattle, Washington

Gas Works Park, in Seattle, Washington, is located on the site of a coal and oil gasification plant that ceased operation in 1956. During operation, many types of wastes, including coal, tar, and oil, accumulated on-site. The park soil is currently (1986) contaminated with compounds such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, trace metals, and cyanide. Analyses of water samples from a network of observation wells in the park indicate that these compounds are also present in the ground water.
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds were identified in ground water samples in concentrations as large as 200 mg/L. Concentrations of organic compounds were largest where ground water was in contact with a non-aqueous phase liquid in the soil. Where no non-aqueous phase liquid was present, concentrations were much smaller, even if the ground water was in contact with contaminated soils. This condition is attributed to weathering processes in which soluble, low-molecular-weight organic compounds are preferentially dissolved from the non-aqueous phase liquid into the ground water. Where no non-aqueous phase liquid is present, only stained soils containing relatively insoluble, high-molecular-weight compounds remain. Concentrations of organic contaminants in the soils may still remain large.     

The hydrothermal system of the Calabozos caldera,central Chilean Andes

Active thermal springs associated with the late Pleistocene Calabozos caldera complex occur in two groups: the Colorado group which issues along structures related to caldera collapse and resurgence, and the Puesto Calabozos group, a nearby cluster that is chemically distinct and probably unrelated to the Colorado springs. Most of the Colorado group can be related to a hypothetical parent water containing ∼400 ppm Cl at ∼250°C by dilution with ≥50% of cold meteoric water. The thermal springs in the most deeply eroded part of the caldera were derived from the same parent water by boiling.The hydrothermal system has probably been active for at least as long as 300,000 years, based on geologic evidence and calculations of paleo-heat flow. There is no evidence for economic mineralization at shallow depth. The Calabozos hydrothermal system would be an attractive geothermal prospect were its location not so remote.     

Diffusion Samplers as an Inexpensive Approach to Monitoring VOCs in Ground Water

Diffusion samplers installed in observation wells were found to be capable of yielding polyethylene to transmit other volatile compounds, such as benzene and toluene, indicates that the samplers can be used for a variety of volatile organic compounds. In wells at the study area, the volatile organic compound concentrations in water samples obtained using the samplers without prior purging were similar to concentrations in water samples obtained from the respective wells using traditional purging and sampling approaches. The low cost associated with this approach makes it a viable option for monitoring large observation-well networks for volatile organic compounds.     

Detection of aliphatic hydrocarbons derived by recent “bio-conversion” from fossil fuel oil in North Sea waters

The higher boiling point range of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon fractions extracted from North Sea water have been re-investigated in detail with improved high resolution glass capillary columns suitable for high temperature gas-chromatography. The resulting chromatograms reveal hydrocarbon patterns, most of which have the same common feature: a smooth distribution of the long-chain n-alkanes combined with a lack of the branched alkanes normally expected for fossil fuel oil. Instead, two homologous series of iso- and anteiso-alkanes could be detected. Since this finding is always associated with traces of present or past fossil fuel oil contamination of the upper water column, these environmental n-, iso and anteisoalkanes are considered to be recently ‘bio-converted’ from fossil fuel oil hydrocarbons. They form a third group beside recent biogenic and fossil petrogenic hydrocarbons in the marine environment. Oil pollution records of the marine environment will have to take into account this group of microbial hydrocarbons.     

A reconnaissance geochemical study of La Primavera geothermal area, Jalisco, Mexico

The Sierra La Primavera, a late Pleistocene rhyolitic caldera complex in Jalisco, México, contains fumaroles and large-discharge 65°C hot springs that are associated with faults related to caldera collapse and to later magma insurgence. The nearly-neutral, sodium bicarbonate, hot springs occur at low elevations at the margins of the complex, whereas the water-rich fumaroles are high and central.The Comisión Federal de Electricidad de México (CFE) has recently drilled two deep holes at the center of the Sierra (PR-1 and Pr-2) and one deep hole at the western margin. Temperatures as high as 285°C were encountered at 1160 m in PR-1, which produced fluids with 820 to 865 mg/kg chloride after flashing to one atmosphere. Nearby, PR-2 encountered temperatures to 307°C at 2000 m and yielded fluids with chloride contents fluctuating between 1100 and 1560 mg/kg after flashing. Neither of the high-temperature wells produced steam in commercial quantities. The well at the western margin of the Sierra produced fluids similar to those from the hot springs. The temperature reached a maximum of 100°C near the surface and decreased to 80°C at 2000 m.Various geothermometers (quartz conductive, Na/K, Na-K-Ca, δ¹⁸O(SO₄-H₂O) and D/H (steam-water) all yield temperatures of 170 ± 20°C when applied to the hot spring waters, suggesting that these spring waters flow from a large shallow reservoir at this temperature. Because the hot springs are much less saline than the fluids recovered in PR-1 and PR-2, the mixed fluid in the shallow reservoir can contain no more than 10–20% deep fluid. This requires that most of the heat is transferred by steam. There is probably a thin vapor-dominated zone in the central part of the Sierra, through which steam and gases are transferred to the overlying shallow reservoir. Fluids from this reservoir cool from 170°C to 65°C by conduction during the 5–7 km of lateral flow to the hot springs.     

The geoecological impact of eruptions on Karymskii Volcano and Tokareva crater, Eastern Kamchatka: The 1996–2008 observations

This paper considers the geoecological impacts of eruptions on Karymskii Volcano and the Tokareva crater for the 1996–2008 period, which resulted in changes in (a) the relief around these edifices, (b) the discharge and composition of water in the Karymskii River and other streams in the area, and (c) the discharge and composition of gases in thermal springs. It was found that the concentration of CH₄ previously had been abnormally high in free gases that emanate from the new Piipovskii Springs and an explanation is provided of the decrease in their concentration over time. We detected variations in the radon activity, OARn (Bq/m³), in free gases that are released in the Karymskii caldera hydrothermal occurrences; the variations are consistent with those in the eruptive activity of Karymskii Volcano in 2005–2006. We describe permafrost rocks in the Karymskii caldera that favor the generation of a cryolithic zone.     

Geochemistry of the Springfield Plateau aquifer of the Ozark Plateaus Province in Arkansas,Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma,USA

Geochemical data indicate that the Springfield Plateau aquifer, a carbonate aquifer of the Ozark Plateaus Province in central USA, has two distinct hydrochemical zones. Within each hydrochemical zone, water from springs is geochemically and isotopically different than water from wells. Geochemical data indicate that spring water generally interacts less with the surrounding rock and has a shorter residence time, probably as a result of flowing along discrete fractures and solution openings, than water from wells. Water type throughout most of the aquifer was calcium bicarbonate, indicating that carbonate‐rock dissolution is the primary geochemical process occurring in the aquifer. Concentrations of calcium, bicarbonate, dissolved oxygen and tritium indicate that most ground water in the aquifer recharged rapidly and is relatively young (less than 40 years). In general, field‐measured properties, concentrations of many chemical constituents, and calcite saturation indices were greater in samples from the northern part of the aquifer (hydrochemical zone A) than in samples from the southern part of the aquifer (hydrochemical zone B). Factors affecting differences in the geochemical composition of ground water between the two zones are difficult to identify, but could be related to differences in chert content and possibly primary porosity, solubility of the limestone, and amount and type of cementation between zone A than in zone B. In addition, specific conductance, pH, alkalinity, concentrations of many chemical constituents and calcite saturation indices were greater in samples from wells than in samples from springs in each hydrochemical zone. In contrast, concentrations of dissolved oxygen, nitrite plus nitrate, and chloride generally were greater in samples from springs than in samples from wells. Water from springs generally flows rapidly through large conduits with minimum water–rock interactions. Water from wells flow through small fractures, which restrict flow and increase water–rock interactions. As a result, springs tend to be more susceptible to surface contamination than wells. The results of this study have important implications for the geochemical and hydrogeological processes of similar carbonate aquifers in other geographical locations. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrocarbons in the Suspension and Sediments of the Baltic Sea

The article gives the results of studying the concentration and composition of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in suspension in surface waters at sections from the English Channel and Skagerak Strait to various regions of the Baltic Sea (2010–2015) and in water and bottom sediments of the southeastern part of the sea in the water area of the Kravtsovskoe field (2008–2015). In recent years, the surface waters of open areas of the Baltic Sea showed a decrease in hydrocarbon concentrations down to background levels (12–33 μg/L). The maximal concentration of hydrocarbons (in excess of the MAC) was recorded in different seasons in navigation areas, including the English Channel and Pregola R. mouth. In the zone of the Kravtsovskoe field, the concentration and composition of hydrocarbons in water depends on their inflow from the bank, and the same characteristics in bottom sediments, on the rate of their leakage from sediment stratum. A decline in these processes have led to a decrease in hydrocarbon concentrations in the sediments of a local area near D-6 platform to background levels (5–7 μg/g) and to the predominance of terrigenous, rather than petroleum, alkanes in hydrocarbon compositions.     

Biogene und nichtbiogene organische Schmutzstoffe

Analytical methods and their application on the river Rhine for the identification and determination of refractory organic compounds are reported. 18 hydrocarbons, 32 chlorinated hydrocarbons, 13 organic nitro compounds, 14 ethers, 4 alcohols, 9 phenols, 6 esters and 21 other organic compounds have been identified. In view of the tedious methods which have to be applied, a technique for determining the ratio of persistent to biodegradable organic compounds has to be found. Requirements and perspectives of microbiological assays are discussed and rules for the survey of waste discharges are proposed.     

Management of the Wellfield Contaminated by Dense Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Vilnius,Lithuania

Drinking water supply in Lithuania is entirely based on groundwater. Wellfields of Vilnius develop intermorainic ca. 50 m deep (in average) aquifer which is locally contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons— volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Groundwater abstraction activates VOCs migration from an abandoned factory into the pumping wells of one wellfield named “Vingis.” However monitoring data testify that only traces of VOCs were detected on the territory of this factory. Subsequent studies revealed the “secret”: dense VOCs have migrated from the territory of the polluter and have accumulated in lowermost places of pumped aquifer inside the wellfield. An attempt to ensure low concentration of VOCs in pumped water manipulating by pumping rates of more or less contaminated abstraction wells was not effective. Finally, an acceptable concentration of VOCs in supplied drinking water was ensured by permanent pumping out of the most polluted groundwater from some abstraction wells of the wellfield and diverting this water to the Neris River.     

The self-sealing geothermal field

A geothermal field producing dry steam or high temperature water is a trap for convection currents generated in an aquifer of high permeability and of sufficient thickness by a deep heat source. A basic implication of this concept is, that a geothermal field requires a cap-rock of more or less impermeable rocks above the producing aquifer. In Larderello, Monte Amiata, and Salton Sea geothermal fields, a clearly reconnaissable tight formation overlies the producing zone and limits the upward movements of the convection currents. In other fields,i.e. The Geysers (California), Wairakei and Waiotapu (New Zealand) we do not know a geologically well defined cap-rock formation, presenting a large difference in permeability in comparison with the reservoir formation. The hot water circulating in a hydrothermal system without a cap-rock can produce deposits and rock alteration in proper places along the flow paths. The tracture and pore filling and any other permeability reducing factors increase resistance to the water circulation: those processes can originate an effective cap-rock. By such processes a hydrothermal system can become a self-sealed geothermal field. The silica deposition is probably the main self-sealing process. In fact, 1) silica is very common. 2) it is available with almost no limitation, 3) its deposition is strictly related to temperature changes, and 4) it is likely to produce very effective patterns of deposition. Where an unlimited CO₂ supply is available at depth, the calcium carbonate deposition appears to be a noticeable sealing process, which is controlled by pressure, at relatively shallow depth. In other cases CaCO₃ precipitation should not be an important factor in the self-sealing of geothermal fields. Argillization appears to be an important shallow process. It is especially effective in the acid environment of many thermal shows, thus determining their migration and/or extinction. According to our analysis and to present evidence those three self-sealing processes are the most important ones. In The Geysers Field, the wells penetrated the same formation, the Franciscan graywackes, from top to bottom. The Franciscan Formation has a very low primary permeability; secondary or fissure permeability is at the contrary very high. It is evident that there is no recognizable cap-rock in the accepted sense of petroleum geology. The wells produce superheated steam; the producing zone begins at 300 m depth or so; the quantity of steam increases with the thickness of the producing zone penetrated by the holes. Beginning in 1964, the wells have been drilled with air as circulating medium. No steam or water has been observed in the top few hundreds meters drilled: we can safely conclude that the graywackes are impervious in the upper section of the holes. Cores and cuttings show frequent fissures filled with silica in different mineral forms and hydrothermally altered rocks are common. In the Geysers area, hot springs, steam vents, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide fumaroles are numerous, and wide zones of rocks, altered by past hydrothermal activity, are prominent features. As usual in many hyperthermal areas, also in The Geysers the manifestations of surface heat change frequently in place, in size, and in fluids discharge. The filling of rock fissures by mineral deposition seems the simplest and most natural explanation of the place changes of the individual springs. The active faults continually generate new fissures, limit the sealing action, and account for the persistent surface thermal activity of the area. The composition of the waters from the hot springs at The Geysers has been re-considered, in comparison with both surface waters and natural steam. The hot springs mainly originate by natural steam condensation, as Allen and Day stated in 1927. This conclusion is now strenghtened and extended: the perched water table producing hot springs at The Geysers is purely condensed steam. Practically all its characteristics can be explained by this condition alone. Separation from other shallow water bodies is extremely sharp. Let us sumarize: the impermeability of the upper section of the holes is demonstrated by the lack of fluids in the Sulphur Bank area, whereas the geochemistry of the hot springs compared with shallow waters indicates that similar conditions occur in the Geysers and Little Geysers areas. Furthermore, silica and other fissure-filling processes occur all over the region, as well as argillization of graywackes. We conclude that:

1. a)
   a cap-rock exists in The Geysers Field; this fact readily explains the production of dry steam;