Evolution of the latera geothermal system II: metamorphic, hydrothermal mineral assemblages and fluid chemistry

The Latera field (Vulsini volcanic complex, Latium, Italy) is one of the geothermal areas of the peri-Tyrrhenian belt along which a regional, high thermal anomaly has been detected. So far nine deep wells have been drilled within the Latera caldera and four of them have been productive. The geothermal reservoir is located within the fractured carbonatic rocks of the Tuscan nappe; the overlying volcanic units, sealed by hydrothermal minerals (mainly calcite and anhydrite), act as an impervious cover.The fluid produced by the wells comes from a deep aquifer (about 1000–1500 m depth) which at present is not connected with the shallow aquifer in the volcanoclastic units. Fluid temperatures range between 200 and 230°C; in-hole temperatures as high as 343°C at 2775 m depth have been measured in dry wells.The study of the newly formed mineral assemblages from both volcanic and sedimentary units as sampled from the geothermal wells can be used to reconstruct the thermal evolution of the geothermal field. The intrusion of a syenitic melt, up to a depth of about 2000 m, dated 0.86 Ma, represents the major thermal event for the units in the area and is assumed to represent the first step in the geothermal evolution of the Latera system.The above mentioned newly formed mineral assemblages can be divided into three groups: (a) “contact-metasomatic”: calcite, anhydrite, diopsidic pyroxene, grossularitic garnet, phlogopite, wollastonite or monticellite; (b) “high-temperature hydrothermal”: calcite, anhydrite, K-feldspar, vesuvianite, melanitic garnet, tourmaline, amphibole, epidote, sulphides; (c) “low-temperature hydrothermal”: calcite, anhydrite, K-feldspar, clay minerals, sulphides. Group (a) minerals are now relics. Part of (b) and all of (c) group are still in equilibrium with the existing conditions in different parts of the geothermal system.Thermodynamic calculations on the observed mineral assemblages permitted estimates of the P, T conditions and gas fugacities.     

Multiple volcano deformation sources in a post-rifting period: 1989–2005 behaviour of Krafla,Iceland constrained by levelling,tilt and GPS observations

The Krafla rifting episode, which occurred in North Iceland in 1975–1984, was followed by inflation of a shallow magma chamber until 1989. At that time, gradual subsidence began above the magma chamber and has continued to the present at a declining rate. Pressure decrease in a shallow magma chamber is not the only source of deformation at Krafla, as other deformation processes are driven by exploitation of two geothermal fields, together with plate spreading. In addition, deep-seated magma accumulation appears to take place, with its centre ∼ 10 km north of the Krafla caldera. The relative strength of these sources has varied with time. New results from a levelling survey and GPS measurements in 2005 allow an updated view on the deformation field. Deformation rates spanning 2000–2005 are the lowest recorded in the 30-year history of geodetic studies at the volcano. The inferred rate of 2000–2005 subsidence related to processes in the shallow magma chamber is less than 0.3 cm/yr whereas it was ∼ 5 cm/yr in 1989–1992. Currently, the highest rate of subsidence takes place in the Leirbotnar area, within the Krafla caldera, and appears to be a result of geothermal exploitation.     

Integration of micro-gravity and geodetic data to constrain shallow system mass changes at Krafla Volcano, N Iceland

New and previously published micro-gravity data are combined with InSAR data, precise levelling and GPS measurements to produce a model for the processes operating at Krafla volcano, 20 years after its most recent eruption. The data have been divided into two periods: from 1990 to 1995 and from 1996 to 2003 and show that the rate of deflation at Krafla is decaying exponentially. The net micro-gravity change at the centre of the caldera is shown, using the measured free air gradient, to be −85 μGal for the first and −100 μGal for the second period. After consideration of the effects of water extraction by the geothermal power station within the caldera, the net gravity decreases are −73±17 μGal for the first and −65±17 μGal for the second period. These decreases are interpreted in terms of magma drainage. Following a Mogi point source model, we calculate the mass decrease to be ∼2×10¹⁰ kg/year reflecting a drainage rate of ∼0.23 m³/s, similar to the ∼0.13 m³/s drainage rate previously found at Askja volcano, N. Iceland. Based on the evidence for deeper magma reservoirs and the similarity between the two volcanic systems, we suggest a pressure-link between Askja and Krafla at deeper levels (at the lower crust or the crust-mantle boundary). After the Krafla fires, co-rifting pressure decrease of a deep source at Krafla stimulated the subsequent inflow of magma, eventually affecting conditions along the plate boundary in N. Iceland, as far away as Askja. We anticipate that the pressure of the deeper reservoir at Krafla will reach a critical value and eventually magma will rise from there to the shallow magma chamber, possibly initiating a new rifting episode. We have demonstrated that by examining micro-gravity and geodetic data, our knowledge of active volcanic systems can be significantly improved.Editorial responsibility: A. Harris     

Chemical equilibria of thermal waters for the application of geothermometers from the Guanzhong basin, China

In this study, representative samples from thermal wells and springs were chemically analyzed and geothermometers were used to calculate the deep temperatures of geothermal reservoirs on the basis of water–mineral equilibrium. In some cases, however, the chemical components are not in equilibrium with the minerals in the reservoir. Therefore, log(Q/K) diagrams are used to study the chemical equilibrium for the minerals that are likely to participate. The Na–K–Mg triangular diagram is also applied to evaluate the equilibrium of water with reservoir rocks. Standard curves at the reference temperatures are prepared to reveal which type of silica geothermometer is appropriate for the specified condition. This study shows that water samples from geothermal wells W9 and W12 are in equilibrium with the selective minerals, and chalcedony may control the fluid–silica equilibrium. It is estimated that there is an exploitable low-temperature reservoir with possible temperatures of 80–90°C in the Guanzhong basin.     

Remanent magnetization of maghemitized basalts from Krafla drill cores, NE-Iceland

We investigated the natural remanent magnetization (J_r) of hydrothermally altered basalts from two drill cores KH1 (200 m) and KH3 (400 m) situated at the rim of the Krafla caldera in NE Iceland, where a geothermal field (>150°C) is still active. Low temperature oxidation along with mineral reactions in the chlorite zone (<350°C) is the prevailing cause for the maghemitization and a strong decrease of J_r to occur in our study. Despite a significant decrease of J_r with respect to fresh basalts in surface outcrops of the same area, the stepwise demagnetization analyses of J_r show the presence of a stable magnetic component with the expected inclination of 77° in Iceland. Because the alteration temperature (<350°C) is above the Curie temperatures of most of the original titanomagnetite (40°?C350°C), we suggest that a normal direction of remanence is chemically acquired during the low temperature alteration. We observed only one reliable negative inclination at 293.2 m in the KH3 core, which we rather interpret to be acquired during a geomagnetic excursion with reverse polarity than caused by a self-reversal mechanism.     

The Krafla fissure swarm, Iceland, and its formation by rifting events

Fissure swarms at divergent plate boundaries are activated in rifting events, during which intense fracturing occurs in the fissure swarm accompanied by intrusion of magma to form dikes that sometimes lead to eruptions. To study the evolution of fissure swarms and the behaviour of rifting events, detailed mapping was carried out on fractures and eruptive fissures within the Krafla fissure swarm (KFS). Fracture densities of dated lava flows ranging from 10,000?years bp to ~30?years old were studied, and the fracture pattern was compared with data on the historical Myvatn rifting episode (1724–1729) and the instrumentally recorded Krafla rifting episode (1975–1984). Additionally, the interaction of transform faults and fissure swarms was studied by analysing the influence of the Húsavík transform faults on the KFS. During the historical rifting episodes, eruptions on the fissure swarm occurred within ~7?km from the Krafla central volcano, although faults and fractures were formed or activated at up to 60–70?km distance. This is consistent with earlier rifting patterns, as Holocene eruptive fissures within the KFS are most common closer to the central volcano. Most fractures within the central Krafla caldera are parallel to the overall orientation of the fissure swarm. This suggests that the regional stress field is governing in the Krafla central volcano, while the local stress field of the volcano is generally weak. A sudden widening of the graben in the northern KFS and a local maximum of fracture density at the junction of the KFS and the extrapolation of the Húsavík transform fault zone indicates possible buried continuation of the Húsavík transform fault zone which extends to the KFS. Eruptive fissures are found farther away from the Krafla central volcano in the southern KFS than in the northern KFS. This is either due to an additional magma source in the southern KFS (the Heiearsporeur volcanic system) or caused by the Húsavík transform faults, transferring some of the plate extension in the northern part. Fracture density within particular lava flow fields increases with field age, indicating that repeated rifting events have occurred in the fissure swarm during the last 10,000?years bp. The fracture density in the KFS is also generally higher closer to the Krafla central volcano than at the ends of the fissure swarm. This suggests that rifting events are more common in the parts of the fissure swarm closer to the Krafla central volcano.     

Distribution and significance of hydrothermal alteration minerals in the Tuzla hydrothermal system, Çanakkale, Turkey

Hydrothermal alteration zones have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, mineralogical–petrographical techniques, and geochemical analysis. Examination of cores and cuttings from two drill sites, obtained from a depth of about 814–1020 m, show that the hydrothermal minerals occuring in the rock include: K-feldspar, albite, chlorite, alunite, kaolinite, smectite, illite, and opaque minerals.In the studied area, silicified, smectite, illite, alunite, and opal zones have been recognized. These alteration mineral assemblages indicate that there are geothermal fluids, which have temperatures of 150–220°C in the reservoir.The distribution of the hydrothermal minerals shows changes in the chemical composition of the hydrothermal fluid, which are probably due not only to interaction with host rock, but also to dilution of the Na–K–Cl-rich hydrothermal fluid of the deep reservoir by cold sea water at shallow levels. Geochemical analyses of the solid and liquid phases indicate that the hydrothermal fluids of the Tuzla geothermal system are in equilibrium with alteration products.The tectonic structure of the studied area is caused by NW–SE and NE–SW directional forces. The volcanic rocks where hydrothermal zones are observed in the studied area are of Lower–Middle Miocene age comprise latite, andesite, dacite, rhyolite-type lavas, tuff, and ignimbrites.     

Surface deformation at the Krafla volcano,North Iceland, 1982–1992

Extensive measurements of ground deformation at the Krafla volcano, Iceland, have been made since the beginning in 1975 of a series of eruptions and intrusions into the fissure system that extends north and south of the volcano. I concentrate on measurements before and after the eruption of September 1984, the last event of this series when the largest volume of lava was erupted. The patterns of ground deformation associated with the 1984 eruption, determined by precision levelling, electronic distance measurements and lake level observations, were similar to earlier intrusions and eruptions, in that the surface of the volcano subsided and the fissure system widened as magma moved laterally from a shallow central reservoir into the fissure system. The shallow magma reservoir of Krafla continued to expand for about five years after the eruption, but a slow subsidence of the central area began in 1989. Besides the presence of an inflating and deflating shallow magma reservoir at a depth of 2.5 km beneath the Krafla caldera, another inflating magma reservoir may exist at much greater depth below Krafla. The accumulation of compressive strain by numerous rift intrusions and eruptions since 1975 along the flanks of the north-south Krafla fissure swarm is being released slowly and will probably be reflected in the results of deformation measurements near Krafla for the next several decades. The total horizontal extension of the Krafla rift system in 1975–1984 was about 9 m, equal to about 500 years of constant plate divergence. The extension is twice the accumulated divergence since previous rifting events and eruptions in 1724–1729     

Evaluation of reservoir temperatures and local utilization of geothermal waters of the Konkan Coast, India

Geochemical studies on fifteen geothermal manifestations (38–70°C) from the Konkan coast geothermal province of India have been used to evaluate the reservoir temperatures. Activity studies of the minerals and the waters present in the reservoirs suggest that the thermal waters are in equilibrium with montmorillonite, kaolinite and quartz at about 100°C. Reservoir temperatures of these geothermal systems as estimated by geochemical thermometers, are 88 to 128°C, and thus too low for economic electricity production.     

Fluid inclusions and preliminary studies of hydrothermal alteration in core hole PLTG-1, Platanares geothermal area, Honduras

The Platanares geothermal area in western Honduras consists of more than 100 hot springs that issue from numerous hot-spring groups along the banks or within the streambed of the Quebrada de Agua Caliente (brook of hot water). Evaluation of this geothermal area included drilling a 650-m deep PLTG-1 drill hole which penetrated a surface mantling of stream terrace deposits, about 550 m of Tertiary andesitic lava flows, and Cretaceous to lower Tertiary sedimentary rocks in the lower 90 m of the drill core.Fractures and cavities in the drill core are partly to completely filled by hydrothermal minerals that include quartz, kaolinite, mixed-layer illite-smectite, barite, fluorite, chlorite, calcite, laumontite, biotite, hematite, marcasite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, stibnite, and sphalerite; the most common open-space fillings are calcite and quartz. Biotite from 138.9-m depth, dated at 37.41 Ma by replicate ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹ Ar analyses using a continuous laser system, is the earliest hydrothermal mineral deposited in the PLTG-1 drill core. This mid-Tertiary age indicates that at least some of the hydrothermal alteration encountered in the PLTG-1 drill core occured in the distant past and is unrelated to the present geothermal system. Furthermore, homogenization temperatures (T_h) and melting-point temperatures (T_m) for fluid inclusions in two of the later-formed hydrothermal minerals, calcite and barite, suggest that the temperatures and concentration of dissolved solids of the fluids present at the time these fluid inclusions formed were very different from the present temperatures and fluid chemistry measured in the drill hole.Liquid-rich secondary fluid inclusions in barite and caicite from drill hole PLTG-1 have T_h values that range from about 20°C less than the present measured temperature curve at 590.1-m depth to as much as 90°C higher than the temperature curve at 46.75-m depth. Many of the barite T_h measurements (ranging between 114° and 265°C) plot above the reference surface boiling-point curve for pure water assuming hydrostatic conditions; however, the absence of evidence for boiling in the fluid inclusions indicates that at the time the minerals formed, the ground surface must have been at least 80 m higher than at present and underwent stream erosion to the current elevation. Near-surface mixed-layer illite-smectite is closely associated with barite and appears to have formed at about the same temperature range (about 120° to 200°C) as the fluid-inclusion T_hvalues for barite. Fluid-inclusion T_h values for calcite range between about 136° and 213°C. Several of the calcite T_h values are significantly lower than the present measured temperature curve. The melting-point temperatures (T_m) of fluid-inclusion ice yield calculated salinities, ranging from near zero to as much as 5.4 wt. % NaCl equivalent, which suggest that much of the barite and calcite precipitated from fluids of significantly greater salinity than the present low salinity Platanares hot-spring water or water produced from the drill hole.     

Rhyolite volcanism in the Krafla central volcano,north-east Iceland

At the Krafla central volcano in north-east Iceland, two main phases of rhyolite volcanism are identified. The earlier phase (last interglacial) is related to the formation of a caldera, whereas the second phase (last glacial) is related to the emplacement of a ring dike. Subsequently, only minor amounts of rhyolite have been erupted. The volcanic products of Krafla are volumetrically bimodal. Geochemically, there is a series of basaltic to basalto-andesitic rocks and a cluster of rhyolitic rocks. Rocks of intermediate to silicic composition (icelandites and dacites) show clear signs of mixing. The rhyolites are Fe-rich (tholeiitic), and aphyric to slightly porphyritic (plagioclase, augite, pigeonite, fayalitic olivine and magnetite). They are minimum melts on the quartz-plagioclase cotectic plane in the granite system (Qz-Or-Ab-An). The rhyolites at Krafla were produced by near-solidus, rather than nearliquidus fractionation. They are interpreted as silicic minimum melts of hydrothermally altered crust, mainly of basaltic composition. They were primarily generated on the peripheries of an active basaltic magma chamber or intrusive domain, where sufficient volumes of crust were subjected to temperatures favorable for rhyolite genesis (850–950° C). The silicic melts were extracted crystal-free from their source in response to crustal deformation.     

Co-existing calcic amphiboles in calc-alkaline andesites: Possible evidence of a zoned magma chamber

Hornblende-biotite andesites erupted from Mount Price and Clinker Peak volcanoes, southwestern British Columbia, contain two texturally and compositionally distinct calcic amphiboles: pargasitic hornblende xenocrysts and magnesio-hornblende microphenocrysts. Disequilibrium relationships exhibited by these amphiboles and associated minerals suggest that the magnesio-hornblendes precipitated under chemical and thermal conditions that were intermediate between those under which pargasitic hornblende and biotite, respectively, crystallized. Experimental studies of crystallization in double-diffusive systems (Chen and Turner, 1980; Turner, 1980; McBirney, 1980) suggest that these varied magmatic environments can be explained as a consequence of progressive crystallization within a zoned magma chamber. Although gravitational settling may have played a role, the observed mineral assemblages probably developed by convective mixing of crystals precipitated at the cooling margins with those crystallized in the interior of the compositionally stratified magma column.     

Timing of volcanic, plutonic and geothermal activity at Ngatamariki, New Zealand

Four ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dates on mineral separates from fresh and hydrothermally altered volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Ngatamariki geothermal field indicate that andesitic volcanism took place in the eastern portion of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) prior to 1.2 Ma and probably considerably earlier. These data significantly extend the onset and duration of andesitic volcanism in the east-central TVZ over previous estimates. Intrusive activity is represented at Ngatamariki by a dioritic pluton, the only such pluton yet recognized in the entire TVZ. Hornblende from the pluton yields a crystallization age of near 550 ka. Hydrothermal alteration spatially associated with the pluton produced sericite of a similar age. Overlying and postdating the most intense hydrothermal alteration zone is the Whakamaru Ignimbrite (or its equivalent) which was emplaced at 330 ka. Two distinct geothermal systems may have been active at nearly the same site from 550 ka to present. The most intense activity occurred before 330 ka and was associated with emplacement of the Ngatamariki diorite. This was followed by the less intense system that is currently active. The geothermal regime at Ngatamariki has, therefore, probably been active intermittently for at least 550 ka.     

Water/rock interaction in the Kızılcahamam Geothermal Field, Galatian Volcanic Province (Turkey): a modelling study of a geothermal system for reinjection well locations

The Kızılcahamam geothermal field is emplaced in Tertiary-aged volcanic units 70 km NW of Ankara (Turkey). Data for this low-temperature (74–86°C) geothermal field regarding the fracture zone system were obtained from surface manifestations (hot springs, alteration zones), five exploration wells (MTA-2, -3, -4, -5, -6) and two production wells (KHD-1, MTA-1). The Kızılcahamam reservoir developed along the Kızılcahamam fault zone and so the production wells (180–1556 m) effect each other due to their limited separation. Meteoric water enters from a recharge area NE of Kızılcahamam, circulates and gains heat through the fault zone, and discharges to the surface.Detailed petrographical studies have been carried out with samples taken from surface rocks, cores, and cuttings from three wells (KHD-1, MTA-2, -3). X-ray diffraction techniques were also used in the present study. Kaolinite and montmorillonite zones were identified at outcrop samples. Chloritization, clay mineralization, sericitization and carbonization were determined in the ground mass of samples from wells. The observed alteration mineral assemblages indicate that Kızılcahamam geothermal system has been cooling since the alteration minerals formed.The exploration well MTA-3 seems to be more suitable for a reinjection well than the other wells (MTA-2, -6), even if the cost of surface piping to transport the waste water to MTA-3 is higher than to another well (MTA-6).     

S-wave shadows in the Krafla Caldera in NE-Iceland,evidence for a magma chamber in the crust

During the present tectonic activity in the volcanic rift zone in NE-Iceland it has become apparent that the attenuation of seismic waves is highly variable in the central region of the Krafla volcano. Earthquakes associated with the inflation of the volcano have been used to delineate two regions of high attenuation of S-waves within the caldera. These areas are located near the center of inflation have horizontal dimensions of 1–2 km and are interpreted as the expression of a magma chamber. The top of the chamber is constrained by hypocentral locations and ray paths to be at about 3 km depth. Small pockets of magma may exist at shallower levels. The bottom of the chamber is not well constrained, but appears to be above 7 km depth. Generally S-waves propagate without any anomalous aftenuation through laver 3 (v_p=0.5 km sec^?1) across the volcanic rift zone in NE-Iceland. The rift zone therefore does not appear to be underlain by an estensive magma chamber at crustal levels. The Krafla magma chamber is a localized feature of the Krafla central volcano.     

Mineralogy and hydrogen isotope geochemistry of clay minerals in the Ohnuma geothermal area,Northeastern Japan

Mineralogical and hydrogen isotopic studies have been made on clay minerals occurring in the Ohnuma geothermal area, northeastern Japan. Here, clay minerals such as smectite, kaolinite, dickite, sericite, and chlorite were formed by hydrothermal alteration of Miocene rocks. A chemical equilibrium can be assumed to be attained from the fact that the amount of expandable layer in the interstratified chlorite/smectite decreases and the polytype of sericite changes from 1M to 2M₁ with increasing depth and temperature. The hydrogen isotopic composition (D/H) of the clay minerals is lighter than that of the geothermal and local meteoric waters by about 20–40‰. The hydrogen isotopic fractionation factors α_{mineral-water} are as follows: 0.972–0.985 for kaolinite and dickite, 0.973–0.977 for sericite, and 0.954–0.987 for chlorite. In the temperature range from 100 to 250°C, the hydrogen isotopic fractionation factors between these minerals and water are not sensitive to the temperature. α_{chlorite-water} depends on the kind of octahedrally coordinated cations which lie close to the hydroxyl groups; it becomes large with an increase of Mg content of chlorite.     

Quantitative characterization of reservoir space in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale,southern Sichuan,China

Based on the drilling data of the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Shale and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in southern Sichuan Basin,the construction of matrix pores and the development condition of fractures in a marine organic-rich shale are quantitatively evaluated through the establishment of the reservoir petrophysical models and porosity mathematical models.Our studies show that there are four major characteristics of the Longmaxi Shale confirmed by the quantitative characterization:(1)the pore volume of per unit mass is the highest in organic matter,followed in clay minerals,finally in brittle minerals;(2)the porosity of the effective shale reservoir is moderate and equal to that of the Barnett Shale,and the main parts of the shale reservoir spaces are interlayer pores of clay minerals and organic pores;(3)the porosity of the organic-rich shale is closely related to TOC and brittle mineral/clay mineral ratio,and mainly increases with TOC and clay mineral content;(4)fractures are developed in this black shale,and are mainly micro ones and medium-large ones.In the Longmaxi Shale,the fracture density increases from top to bottom,reflecting the characteristics with high brittle mineral content,high Young’s modulus,low Poisson's ratio and high brittleness at its bottom.     

Trace-element distribution in an active hydrothermal system, Roosevelt hot springs thermal area, Utah

Chemical interaction of thermal fluids with reservoir rock in the Roosevelt Hot Springs thermal area, Utah, has resulted in the development of characteristic trace-element dispersion patterns. Multielement analyses of surface rock samples, soil samples and drill cuttings from deep exploration wells provide a three-dimensional perspective of chemical redistribution within this structurally-controlled hot-water geothermal system.Five distinctive elemental suites of chemical enrichment are recognized, each characteristic of a particular combination of physical and chemical conditions within the geothermal system. These are: (1) concentrations of As, Sb, Be, and Hg associated with siliceous material at locations of liquid discharge, fluid mixing or boiling; (2) concentrations of Mn, Ba, W, Be, Cu, Co, As, Sb and Hg in manganese and iron oxide deposits; (3) high concentrations of Hg in argillized rock near fumaroles and lower concentrations in a broad diffuse halo surrounding the thermal center; (4) concentrations of As in sulfides and Li in silicate alteration minerals immediately surrounding high-temperature fluid flow-controlling fractures; (5) deposits of CaCO₃ at depth where flashing of brine to steam has occurred due to pressure release. The geochemical enrichments are not, in general, widespread, pervasively developed zones of regular form and dimension as are typical in many ore-forming hydrothermal systems.As the geothermal system develops, changes and eventually declines through time, the chemical deposits are developed, remobilized or superimposed upon each other, thus preserving within the rocks a record of the history of the geothermal system. Recognition of trace-element distribution patterns during the exploration of a geothermal system may aid definition of the present geometry and interpretation of the history of the system.     

Massive sulfides in a sedimented rift valley, northern Juan de Fuca Ridge

A number of mounds each several hundred meters across and up to sixty meters high have been observed with SeaMARC II acoustic imagery and Seabeam bathymetry in the sediment-filled axial valley at the northern end of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The mounds are located a few kilometers west of the eastern valley-bounding normal fault scarp where the local sediment fill is approximately 300 m thick. All of the mounds are believed to be of hydrothermal origin, and one is associated with anomalously high heat flow in excess of 1 W m⁻². A piston core collected from that mound comprises coarse clastic sulfide units interbedded with sulfidic muds. Hydrothermal minerals present in the 2.3 m section include pyrrhotite, pyrite, marcasite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, iss (intermediate solid solution in the CuFeZnS system), chalcopyrrhotite, galena, talc, barite, and amorphous silica. Mineral fabrics of the clasts indicate that the material was precipitated at or near the sea floor by mixing of hot hydrothermal fluids with cold seawater. Low concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ag relative to those found in unsedimented ridge hydrothermal deposits, and the presence of pyrrhotite as an early phase mineral indicates that the vent fluids have been modified by reaction with sediments beneath the mound. Rapid sedimentation in a rift valley is clearly conducive to the formation of large hydrothermal mineral deposits like those believed to be present within and beneath these mounds. The relatively impermeable sediment cover insulates the crust, inhibits groundwater recharge, promotes long-lived discharge at a restricted number of sites, provides a substrate for the efficient subsurface precipitation of minerals, and through continued sedimentation, protects surficial deposits from the corrosive effects of seawater. No reliable estimate of the bulk composition of the mounds can be made with existing data, but their size is comparable to major hydrothermal mineral deposits found on land; ancient settings in which many land deposits formed are in many ways similar to the one in which the features described here are currently forming.     

Geochemistry and geothermometry of spring water from the Blackfoot Reservoir region, southeastern Idaho

The Blackfoot Reservoir region in southeastern Idaho is recognized as a potential geothermal area because of the presence of several young rhyolite domes (50,000 years old), Quaternary basalt flows, and warm springs. North- to northwest-trending high-angle normal faults of Tertiary to Holocene age appear to be the dominant structural control of spring activity. Surface spring-water temperatures average 14°C except for a group of springs west of the Reservoir Mountains which average 33°C. Chemical geothermometers applied to fifty water samples give temperatures less than 75°C except for eight springs along the Corral Creek drainage. The springs along Corral Creek have Na-K-Ca temperatures that average 354°C, a direct result of high potassium concentrations in the water. A correction for carbon dioxide applied to the Na-K-Ca geothermometer lowers the estimated temperatures of the anomalous springs to near the measured surface temperatures, and Na-K-Ca-Mg temperatures for the anomalous springs are near 100°C. Mixing model calculations suggest that hot water with a temperature of approximately 120°C may be mixing with cooler, more dilute water in the springs from the Corral Creek drainage, a temperature supported by Na-K-Ca-Mg temperatures and mineral saturation temperatures.Stability relations of low-temperature phases in the system indicate that the large concentrations of potassium in the eight anomalous springs are derived from reactions with the potassium-bearing minerals muscovite and K-feldspar. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gases may be derived through the oxidation of organic matter accompanied by the reduction of sulfate. Concentrations of major and minor elements, and gases found in springs of the Blackfoot Reservoir region are due to water-rock reactions at temperatures less than 100°C.Based on spring geochemistry, a geothermal reservoir of 100°C up to 120°C may exist at shallow (less than 2 km) depths in the Blackfoot Reservoir region.