Ongoing hydrothermal heat loss from the 1912 ash-flow sheet,Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes,Alaska

The June 1912 eruption of Novarupta filled nearby glacial valleys on the Alaska Peninsula with ash-flow tuff (ignimbrite), and post-eruption observations of thousands of steaming fumaroles led to the name ‘Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes’ (VTTS). By the late 1980s most fumarolic activity had ceased, but the discovery of thermal springs in mid-valley in 1987 suggested continued cooling of the ash-flow sheet. Data collected at the mid-valley springs between 1987 and 2001 show a statistically significant correlation between maximum observed chloride (Cl) concentration and temperature. These data also show a statistically significant decline in the maximum Cl concentration. The observed variation in stream chemistry across the sheet strongly implies that most solutes, including Cl, originate within the area of the VTTS occupied by the 1912 deposits. Numerous measurements of Cl flux in the Ukak River just below the ash-flow sheet suggest an ongoing heat loss of ∼250 MW. This represents one of the largest hydrothermal heat discharges in North America. Other hydrothermal discharges of comparable magnitude are related to heat obtained from silicic magma bodies at depth, and are quasi-steady on a multidecadal time scale. However, the VTTS hydrothermal flux is not obviously related to a magma body and is clearly declining. Available data provide reasonable boundary and initial conditions for simple transient modeling. Both an analytical, conduction-only model and a numerical model predict large rates of heat loss from the sheet 90 years after deposition.     

Chemical and stable isotopic models for boundary creek warm springs, southwestern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Thermal springs of the Boundary Creek hydrothermal system in the southwestern part of Yellowstone Park outside the caldera boundary vary in chemical and isotopic composition, and temperature. The diversity may be accounted for by a combination of processes including boiling of a deep thermal water, mixing of the deep thermal water with cool meteoric water and/or with condensed steam or steam-heated meteoric water, and chemical reactions with surrounding rocks. Dissolved-silica, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents of the thermal springs could result from a thermal fluid with a temperature of 200 ± 20°C. Chloride-enthalpy and silica-enthalpy mixing models suggest mixing of 230°C, 220 mg/l Cl⁻ thermal water with cool, low-Cl⁻ components. A 350 to 390°C component with Cl⁻ ≥ 300 mg/l is possibly present in thermal springs inside the caldera but is not required to fit observed spring chemical and isotopic compositions. Irreversible mass transfer models in which a low-temperature water reacts with volcanic glass as it percolates downward and warms, can account for observed pH and dissolved-silica, K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations, but produces insufficient Cl⁻ or F⁻ for measured concentrations in the warm springs. The ratio of a_Na/a_H, and Cl⁻ are best accounted for in mixing models. The water-rock interaction model fits compositions of acid-sulfate waters observed at Summit Lake and of low-Cl⁻ waters involved in mixing.The cold waters collected from southwestern Yellowstone Park have δD values ranging from −118 to −145 per mil and δ¹⁸O values of −15.9 to −19.4 per mil. Two samples from nearby Island Park have δD values of −112 and −114 per mil and δ¹⁸O values of −15.1 and −15.3 per mil. All samples of thermal water plot significantly to the right of the meteoric water line. The low Cl⁻ and variable δD values of the thermal waters indicate isotopic compositions are derived by extensive dilution with cold meteoric water and by steam separation on ascent to the surface. Many of the hot springs with higher δD values may contain in addition a significant amount of high-D, low-Cl⁻, acid-sulfate or steam-heated meteoric water. Mixing models, Cl⁻ content and isotopic compositions of thermal springs suggest that 30% or less of a deep thermal component is present. For example, the highest-temperature springs from Three Rivers, Silver Scarf and Upper Boundary Creek thermal areas contain up to 70% cool meteoric water and 30% hot water components, springs at Summit Lake and Middle Boundary Creek spring 57 are acid-sulfate or steam-heated meteoric water; springs 27 and 48 from Middle Boundary Creek and 49 from Mountain Ash contain in excess of 50% acid-sulfate water; and Three Rivers spring 46 and Phillips could result from mixing hot water with 55% cool meteoric water followed by mixing of acid-sulfate water. Extensive dilution by cool meteoric water increases the uncertainties in quantity and nature of the deep meteoric, thermal component.     

Chemical and isotopic prediction of aquifer temperatures in the geothermal system at Long Valley, California

Temperatures of aquifers feeding thermal springs and wells in Long Valley, California, estimated using silica and Na-K-Ca geothermometers and warm spring mixing models, range from 160/dg to about 220°C. This information was used to construct a diagram showing enthalpy-chloride relations for the various thermal waters in the Long Valley region. The enthalpy-chloride information suggests that a 282 ± 10°C aquifer with water containing about 375 mg chloride per kilogram of water is present somewhere deep in the system. That deep water would be related to 220°C Casa Diablo water by mixing with cold water, and to Hot Creek water by first boiling with steam loss and then mixing with cold water. Oxygen and deuterium isotopic data are consistent with that interpretation. An aquifer at 282°C with 375 mg/kg chloride implies a convective heat flow in Long Valley of 6.6 × 10⁷ cal/s.     

Hot springs of Rhodesia: Their noble gases,isotopic and chemical composition

Four of Rhodesia's hottest spring complexes (54–100°C) were studied. Tritium contents were very low, compared to adjacent rivers, indicating that the samples studied were indigenous, deep-seated water which had undergone negligible intermixing with surface water.The noble-gas measurements revealed: (1) the waters are meteoric; (2) the noble gases were kept in closed-system conditions in the ground; (3) paleotemperatures are 26–31°C; (4) the boiling Binga springs lost part of their noble gases.Independently, measurements of stable isotopes indicate the meteoric origin of the springs. The chemical composition of the waters clearly reflects their origin from two groups of rocks — one from Karroo sediments and one from crystalline rocks.     

Chemical and isotopic investigation of warm springs associated with normal faults in Utah

Thermal springs associated with normal faults in Utah have been analyzed for major cations and anions, and oxygen and hydrogen isotopes. Springs with measured temperatures averaging greater than 40°C are characterized by Na + K- and SO₄ + Cl-rich waters containing 10³ to 10⁴ mg/l of dissolved solids. Lower temperature springs, averaging less than 40°C, are more enriched in Ca + Mg relative to Na + K. Chemical variations monitored through time in selected thermal springs are probably produced by mixing with non-thermal waters. During the summer months at times of maximum flow, selected hot springs exhibit their highest temperatures and maximum enrichments in most chemical constituents.Cation ratios and silica concentrations remain relatively constant through time for selected Utah thermal springs assuring the applicability of the geothermometer calculations regardless of the time of year. Geothermometer calculations utilizing either the quartz (no steam loss), chalcedony or Mg-corrected Na/K/Ca methods indicate that most thermal springs in Utah associated with normal faults have subsurface temperatures in the range of 25 to less than 120°C. This temperature range suggests fluid circulation is restricted to depths less than about three kilometers assuming an average thermal gradient of about 40°C/km.Thermodynamic calculations suggest that most thermal springs are oversaturated with respect to calcite, quartz, pyrophyllite, (Fe, Mg)-montmorillonite, microcline and hematite, and undersaturated with respect to anhydrite, gypsum, fluorite and anorthite. Chalcedony and cristobalite appear to be the only phases consistently at or near saturation in most waters. Theoretical evaluation of mixing on mineral saturation trends indicates that anhydrite and calcite become increasingly more undersaturated as cold, dilute groundwater mixes with a hot (150°C), NaCl-rich fluid. The evolution of these thermal waters issuing from faults appears to be one involving the dissolution of silicates such as feldspars and micas by CO₂-enriched groundwaters that become more reactive with increasing temperature and/or time. Solution compositions plotted on mineral equilibrium diagrams trend from product phases such as kaolinite or montmorillonite toward reactant phases dominated by alkali feldspars.Isotopic compositions indicate that these springs are of local surface origin, either meteoric (low TDS, < 5000 mg/l) or connate ground water (high TDS, > 5000 mg/l). Deviations from the meteoric water line are the result of rock-water isotopic exchange, mixing or evaporation. Fluid source regions and residence times of selected thermal spring systems (Red Hill, Thermo) have been evaluated through the use of a σ D-contour map of central and western Utah. Ages for waters in these areas range from about 13 years to over 500 years. These estimates are comparable to those made for low-temperature hydrothermal systems in Iceland.     

Geochemical and hydrogeological characterization of thermal springs in Western Sicily, Italy

Thermal and cold waters from Castellammare–Alcamo (Western Sicily-Italy) were collected between May 1994 and May 1995 and studied for their chemical and isotopic composition. During the same period, mean monthly samples of meteoric water were also collected and measured for their isotopic composition. The main purpose of this study was the characterization of the acquifers and, if possible, of their recharge areas. According to the results obtained, the acquifers were divided into three main groups: (a) selenitic waters, (b) cold carbonatic waters, and (c) deep thermal waters resulting from the mixing of the other two types. Besides a mixing process between carbonatic and selenitic waters, contamination processes of thermal waters by seawater take place during their ascent. The water temperature of the acquifer feeding the thermal springs was estimated by means of various geothermometers to range between 60°C and 97°C. Isotope data on rainwater samples show a wide seasonal variation of both δ and δD values. The fairly constant values of thermal waters through time and the lack of an apparent correlation with the isotopic values of rainwater suggest the existence of a deep circuit determining an almost complete homogenisation of the seasonal variations of the isotopic values.     

Correlation between microbiological and chemical parameters of some hydrothermal springs in New Mexico, USA

Discharge areas of hydrothermal springs are known to be inhabited by diverse types of microorganisms including archaea, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. A total of 11 hydrothermal samples from the Rio Grande rift and the Valles caldera in New Mexico were analyzed to investigate the correlation between chemical and microbiological parameters of hydrothermal waters. The sampled fluids are categorized into three chemical groups: (I) steam-condensing acid sulfate waters, (II) deep geothermal and derivative waters and (III) thermal meteoric waters. Analyses of the microbial phospholipid fatty acids and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of DNA show that acid sulfate waters were populated by thermoacidophilic organisms and had high biomass content. Mineralized deep geothermal and derivative waters exhibited a high degree of microbial diversity, but had low biomass content. Thermal meteoric waters are low in total dissolved solids, and exhibit very low biomass content and microbial diversity. DNA sequences from several previously unknown microbial species were detected. The results of this study support the hypothesis that microbes can be used as tracers for specific types of subsurface environments.     

Geochemistry, geothermics and relationship to active tectonics of Gujarat and Rajasthan thermal discharges, India

Most thermal spring discharges of Rajasthan and Gujarat in northwestern India have been sampled and analysed for major and trace elements in both the liquid and associated gas phase, and for ¹⁸O/¹⁶O, D/H (in water), ³He/⁴He and ¹³C/¹²C in CO₂ (in gas) isotopic ratios. Most thermal springs in Rajasthan are tightly associated to the several regional NE–SW strike-slip faults bordering NE–SW ridges formed by Archaean rocks at the contact with Quaternary alluvial and aeolian sedimentary deposits of the Rajasthan desert. Their Ca–HCO₃ immature character and isotopic composition reveals: (1) meteoric origin, (2) relatively shallow circulation inside the crystalline Archaean formations, (3) very fast rise along faults, and (4) deep storage temperatures of the same order of magnitude as discharging temperatures (50–90°C). Thermal spring discharges in Gujarat are spread over a larger area than in Rajasthan and are associated both with the NNW–SSE fault systems bordering the Cambay basin and the ENE–WSW strike-slip fault systems in the Saurashtra province, west of the Cambay basin. Chemical and isotopic compositions of springs in both areas suggest a meteoric origin of deep thermal waters. They mix with fresh or fossil seawater entering the thermal paths of the spring systems through both the fault systems bordering the Cambay basin, as well as faults and fractures occurring inside the permeable Deccan Basalt Trap in the Saurashtra province. The associated gas phase, at all sampled sites, shows similar features: (1) it is dominated by the presence of atmospheric components (N₂ and Ar), (2) it has high crustal ⁴He enrichment, (3) it shows crustal ³He/⁴He signature, (4) it has low CO₂ concentration, and (5) the only analysed sample for ¹³C/¹²C isotopic ratio in CO₂ suggests that CO₂ has a strong, isotopically light organic imprint. All these features and chemical geothermometer estimates of spring waters suggest that any active deep hydrothermal system at the base of the Cambay basin (about 2000–3000 m) has low-to-medium enthalpy characteristics, with maximum deep temperature in the storage zone of about 150°C. In a regional overview, both thermal emergences of Rajasthan and Gujarat could be controlled by the counter-clockwise rotation of India.     

Surface mercury geochemistry as a guide to volcanic vent structure and zones of high heat flow in the valley of ten thousand smokes, Katmai National Park, Alaska

A reconnaissance survey of Hg° was designed to model the 1912 Novarupta vent structure and delineate zones of near-surface high heat flow. Statistical analysis of 294 regolith samples collected at 127 sites from fossil/active fumaroles and relatively unaltered ash-flow tuff and air-fall ejecta indicates two Hg° sample populations; one associated with fumarole deposits and the other corresponding to the relatively unaltered regolith. Measured Hg° concentrations range from 12 to 6913 ppb. Sample threshold (upper limit of background Hg° concentrations; fumarole deposits: 351 ppb, unaltered regolith: 110 ppb) and contrast (sample value/threshold) determinations enable differentiation between relict and actively accumulating Hg° contents.All significant Hg° anomalies (contrast values > 1.5) occur within Novarupta Basin. High-magnitude, active Hg² enrichment was found on the Turtle, a dome-like feature northeast of the Novarupta extrusive dome. The Hg° data, coupled with available geologic and geophysical evidence, suggest a shallow intrusion beneath the Turtle. Results from two Novarupta Basin sample traverses do not support the presence of a near-surface magma feeder dike connecting the proposed intrusion beneath the Turtle with the Novarupta dome. Based on the Hg° data, the preferred vent model is one generated by collapse of supporting walls after the major eruptive phase into a cored-out explosive vent. Collapse of vent walls is initiated along a series of deep-extending faults which subsequently serve as migration pathways for Hg° to the surface. The overall vent morphology is funnel-like with subsidence concentrated in the narrow funnel center. Results of this study show that Hg° surveys can further constrain the morphology of the 1912 vent and aid in delineating zones of near-surface high heat flow in this region.     

Time scale of hydrothermal water-rock reactions in Yellowstone National Park based on radium isotopes and radon

We have measured ²²⁴Ra (3.4 d), ²²⁸Ra (5.7 yr), and ²²⁶Ra (1620 yr) and chloride in hot spring waters from the Norris-Mammoth Corridor, Yellowstone National Park. Two characteristic cold-water components mix with the primary hydrothermal water: one for the travertine-depositing waters related to the Mammoth Hot Springs and the other for the sinter-depositing Norris Geyser Basin springs. The Mammoth Hot Springs water is a mixture of the primary hydrothermal fluid with meteoric waters flowing through the Madison Limestone, as shown by the systematic decrease of the (²²⁸Ra/²²⁶Ra) activity ratio proceeding northward. The Norris Geyser Basin springs are mixtures of primary hydrothermal water with different amounts of cold meteoric water with no modification of the primary hydrothermal (²²⁸Ra/²²⁶Ra) activity ratio. Using a solution and recoil model for radium isotope supply to the primary hydrothermal water, a mean water-rock reaction time prior to expansion at 350°C and supply to the surface is 540 years assuming that 250 g of water are involved in the release of the radium from one gram of rock. The maximum reaction time allowed by our model is 1150 years.     

Fluid geochemistry of natural manifestations from the Southern Poroto–Rungwe hydrothermal system (Tanzania): Preliminary conceptual model

The South Poroto–Rungwe geothermal field, in the northern part of the Malawi rift, Tanzania divides in two main areas. The relatively high altitude northern area around the main Ngozi, Rungwe, Tukuyu and Kyejo volcanoes, is characterised by cold and gas-rich springs. In contrast, hot springs occur in the southern and low-altitude area between the Kyela and Livingstone faults. The isotopic signature of the almost stagnant, cold springs of the Northern district is clearly influenced by H₂O–CO_2(g) exchange as evidenced from negative oxygen-shifts in the order of few deltas permil. In contrast, the isotopic signature of waters discharged from the hot springs of the Southern district is markedly less affected by the H₂O–CO_2(g) interaction. This evidence is interpreted as an effect of the large, permanent outflow of these springs, which supports the hypothesis of a regional-scale recharge of the major thermal springs. Measurements of carbon isotope variations of the dissolved inorganic carbon of waters and CO_2(g) from the Northern and Southern springs support a model of CO_2(g)-driven reactivity all over the investigated area. Our combined chemical and isotopic results show that the composition of hot springs is consistent with a mixing between (i) cold surface fresh (SFW) and (ii) Deep Hot Mineralised (DHMW) Water, indicating that the deep-originated fluids also supply most of the aqueous species dissolved in the surface waters used as local potable water. Based on geothermometric approaches, the temperature of the deep hydrothermal system has been estimated to be higher than 110 °C up to 185 °C, in agreement with the geological and thermal setting of the Malawi rift basin. Geochemical data point to (i) a major upflow zone of geothermal fluids mixed with shallow meteoric waters in the Southern part of the province, and (ii) gas absorption phenomena in the small, perched aquifers of the Northern volcanic highlands.     

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.     

Hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in the waters of the Ngawha hydrothermal area,North Auckland

The ratios of D/H and O¹⁸/O¹⁶ in natural waters from streams, boreholes, soda springs, hot pools, ponds and larger bodies of water in the Ngawha hydrothermal area were determined. The results are considered in relation to the isotopic changes known to occur in water subjected to evaporation. Where applicable chemical and other work was also considered. It is assumed that stream water isotope composition is the mean value for the isotopic composition of meteoric waters. Measurements on waters taken from boreholes drilled to 65 feet and 350 feet and from the other water sources mentioned, indicate that they were of meteoric origin as judged by stream isotope composition. The waters from the soda springs appeared to be isotopically the same as the stream water, a finding consistent with the absence of evaporative surface. These borehole waters were similar but slightly different in O¹⁸ due probably to exchange between rock and water. Heavy isotope enrichment of the ponds and larger bodies of water appeared to be due to non-equilibrium evaporation at ambient temperature. The hot pools in the Ngawha springs area proper were enriched in the heavier isotopes probably due to non-equilibrium evaporation at the usual hot pool temperature of about 40°C and also to exchange of O¹⁸ between water and rock. The water from a further borehole drilled to approximately 2,000 feet appeared also to be of meteoric origin but was changed in O¹⁸ content to an extent consistent with the assumption that oxygen isotope exchange with rock had taken place at approximately 230°C. The results are used to illustrate possibilities for the use of oxygen and hydrogen isotope measurements in hydrothermal investigations.     

Porosity, permeability, and fluid flow in the Yellowstone geothermal system, Wyoming

Cores from two of 13 U.S. Geological Survey research holes at Yellowstone National Park (Y-5 and Y-8) were evaluated to characterize lithology, texture, alteration, and the degree and nature of fracturing and veining. Porosity and matrix permeability measurements and petrographic examination of the cores were used to evaluate the effects of lithology and hydrothermal alteration on porosity and permeability. The intervals studied in these two core holes span the conductive zone and the upper portion of the convective geothermal reservoir. Variations in porosity and matrix permeability observed in the Y-5 and Y-8 cores are primarily controlled by lithology. Y-8 intersects three distinct lithologies: volcaniclastic sandstone, perlitic rhyolitic lava, and non-welded pumiceous ash-flow tuff. The sandstone typically has high permeability and porosity, and the tuff has very high porosity and moderate permeability, while the perlitic lava has very low porosity and is essentially impermeable. Hydrothermal self-sealing appears to have generated localized permeability barriers within the reservoir. Changes in pressure and temperature in Y-8 correspond to a zone of silicification in the volcaniclastic sandstone just above the contact with the perlitic rhyolite; this silicification has significantly reduced porosity and permeability. In rocks with inherently low matrix permeability (such as densely welded ash-flow tuff), fluid flow is controlled by the fracture network. The Y-5 core hole penetrates a thick intracaldera section of the 0.6-Ma Lava Creek ash-flow tuff. In this core, the degree of welding appears to be responsible for most of the variations in porosity, matrix permeability, and the frequency of fractures and veins. Fractures are most abundant within the more densely welded sections of the tuff. However, the most prominent zones of fracturing and mineralization are associated with hydrothermal breccias within densely welded portions of the tuff. These breccia zones represent transient conduits of high fluid flow that formed by the explosive release of overpressure in the underlying geothermal reservoir and that were subsequently sealed by supersaturated geothermal fluids. In addition to this fracture sealing, hydrothermal alteration at Yellowstone appears generally to reduce matrix permeability and focus flow along fractures, where multiple pulses of fluid flow and self-sealing have occurred.     

Geology, water geochemistry and geothermal potential of the jemez springs area, Canon de San Diego, new Mexico

Studies of the geology, geochemistry of thermal waters, and of one exploratory geothermal well show that two related hot spring systems discharge in Canõn de San Diego at Soda Dam (48°C) and Jemez Springs (72°C). The hot springs discharge from separate strands of the Jemez fault zone which trends northeastward towards the center of Valles Caldera. Exploration drilling to Precambrian basement beneath Jemez Springs encountered a hot aquifer (68°C) at the top of Paleozoic limestone of appropriate temperature and composition to be the local source of the fluids in the surface hot springs at Jemez Springs. Comparisons of the soluble elements Na, Li, Cl, and B, arguments based on isotopic evidence, and chemical geothermometry indicate that the hot spring fluids are derivatives of the deep geothermal fluid within Valles Caldera. No hot aquifer was discovered in or on top of Precambrian basement. It appears that low- to moderate-temperature geothermal reservoirs (< 100°C) of small volume are localized along the Jemez fault zone between Jemez Springs and the margin of Valles Caldera.     

Hydrogeochemistry of the Simav geothermal field, western Anatolia, Turkey

Thermal waters hosted by Menderes metamorphic rocks emerge along fault lineaments in the Simav geothermal area. Thermal springs and drilled wells are located in the Eynal, Çitgöl and Na a locations, which are part of the Simav geothermal field. Studies were carried out to obtain the main chemical and physical characteristics of thermal waters. These waters are used for heating of residences and greenhouses and for balneological purposes. Bottom temperatures of the drilled wells reach 163°C with total dissolved solids around 2225 mg/kg. Surface temperatures of thermal springs vary between 51°C and 90°C. All the thermal waters belong to Na–HCO₃–SO₄ facies. The cold groundwaters are Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type. Dissolution of host rock and ion-exchange reactions in the reservoir of the geothermal system shift the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type cold groundwaters to the Na–HCO₃–SO₄ type thermal waters. Thermal waters are oversaturated at discharge temperatures for aragonite, calcite, quartz, chalcedony, magnesite and dolomite minerals giving rise to a carbonate-rich scale. Gypsum and anhydrite minerals are undersaturated with all of the thermal waters. Boiling during ascent of the thermal fluids produces steam and liquid waters resulting in an increase of the concentrations of the constituents in discharge waters. Steam fraction, y, of the thermal waters of which temperatures are above 100°C is between 0.075 and 0.119. Reservoir pH is much lower than pH measured in the liquid phase separated at atmospheric conditions, since the latter experienced heavy loss of acid gases, mainly CO₂. Assessment of the various empirical chemical geothermometers and geochemical modelling suggest that reservoir temperatures vary between 175°C and 200°C.     

Geochemical evidence of hydrothermal recharge in Lake Baringo,central Kenya Rift Valley

Lake Baringo, a freshwater lake in the central Kenya Rift Valley, is fed by perennial and ephemeral rivers, direct rainfall, and hot springs on Ol Kokwe Island near the centre of the lake. The lake has no surface outlet, but despite high evaporation rates it maintains dilute waters by subsurface seepage through permeable sediments and faulted lavas. New geochemical analyses (major ions, trace elements) of the river, lake, and hot spring waters and the suspended sediments have been made to determine the main controls of lake water quality. The results show that evaporative concentration and the binary mixing between two end members (rivers and thermal waters) can explain the hydrochemistry of the lake waters. Two zones are recognized from water composition. The southern part of the lake near sites of perennial river inflow is weakly influenced by evaporation, has low total dissolved species (TDS), and has a seasonally variable load of mainly detrital suspended sediments. In contrast, waters of the northern part of the lake show evidence for strong evaporation (TDS of up to eight times inflow). Authigenic clay minerals and calcite may be precipitating from those more concentrated fluids. The subaerial hot‐spring waters have a distinctive chemistry and are enriched in some elements that are also present in the lake water. Comparison of the chemical composition of the inflowing surface waters and lake water shows (1) an enrichment of some species (HCO₃^?, Cl, SO₄^2?, F, Na, B, V, Cr, As, Mo, Ba and U) in the lake, (2) a depletion in SiO₂ in the lake, and (3) a possible hydrothermal origin for most F. The rare earth element distribution and the F/Cl and Na/Cl ratios give valuable information on the rate of mixing of the river and hydrothermal fluids in the lake water. Calculations imply that thermal fluids may be seeping upward locally into the lake through grid‐faulted lavas, particularly south of Ol Kokwe Island. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A summary of volcanic and seismic activity in Katmai National Monument,Alaska

A compilation of observations of volcanic eruptions since 1870 and ash stratigraphy shows that Katmai National Monument on the Alaska Peninsula has had a long history of volcanic activity. Six of the recently active vents lie in a gently curved arc, but two lie to the north of this arc and show no obvious structural relationship to it. Recent volcanic events have consisted of fumarolic activity, steaming from main vents, ash eruptions, extrusion of viscous lava flows, and pyroclastic eruptions. The observed activity shows no obvious correlation with a compilation of seismic events recorded teleseismically since 1912 and relocated by the authors using a digital computer. The eruption attributed to Mt. Katmai in 1912 has left many unanswered questions including the thickness of the ash flow tuff in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Seismic refraction results show that this tuff has a compressional velocity of about 0.6 km/sec and that considerable morainal debris may underlie it at the northern end of the Valley.     

Hydrogeochemistry of thermal and mineral water springs of the Azores archipelago (Portugal)

Mineral and thermal water chemistry from the Azores archipelago was investigated in order to discriminate among hydrochemical facies and isotopic groups and identify the major geochemical processes that affect water composition. A systematic geochemical survey of mineral and thermal water chemistry was carried out, incorporating new data as well as results from the literature. The Azores are a volcanic archipelago consisting of nine islands and samples were collected at São Miguel, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, Pico and Flores islands. Hydrothermal manifestations show the effects of active volcanism on several islands. Discharges are mainly related to active Quaternary central volcanoes, of basaltic to trachytic composition, but also some springs are related to older dormant or extinct volcanoes.Multivariate analysis – principal component and cluster analysis – enables classification of water compositions into 4 groups and interpretation of processes affecting water compositions. Groups 1 and 2 discharge from perched-water bodies, and mostly correspond to Na–HCO₃ and Na–HCO₃–Cl type waters. These groups comprise of cold, thermal (27 °C–75 °C) and boiling waters (92.2 °C–93.2 °C), with a wide TDS range (77.3–27, 145.7 mg/L). Group 3 is made of samples of dominated Na–SO₄ from very acid boiling pools (pH range of 2.02–2.27) which are fed by steam-heated perched-water bodies. Group 4 is representative of springs from the basal aquifer system and corresponds to Na–Cl type fluids, with compositions dominated by seawater.Results are used to further develop a conceptual model characterizing the geochemical evolution of the studied waters. Mineral and thermal waters discharging from perched-water bodies are of meteoric origin and chemically evolve by absorption of magmatic volatiles (CO₂) and by a limited degree of rock leaching. Existing data also suggest mixture between cold waters and thermal water. Water chemistry from springs that discharge from the basal aquifer system evolves by mixing with seawater; although, processes such as absorption of magmatic volatiles (CO₂), rock leaching and mixture with hydrothermal waters are not excluded by the data because the actual composition of these waters deviates from that expected considering only conservative mixing between fresh and seawater.     

Aquifer chemistry of the Puga and Chumatang high temperature geothermal systems in India

Results of a chemical study of the fluids from drill holes and hot springs of Puga and Chumatang areas in the northwestern part of the Himalaya are presented and discussed in this paper. The thermal waters of Puga and Chumatang are of Na-HCO₃-Cl and Na-HCO₃ types, respectively. A comparison between these waters, their chemical classification and activity studies suggest a flow path within a quartzitic-schistose basement, containing quartz, K-feldspar and illite, and in clayey terrains containing montmorillonite and illite.The chemistry of thermal waters also indicate their association with magmatic activity. The chemical geothermometers indicate the possible existence of a geothermal reservoir at Puga with temperature ≈250°C. The Chumatang area has a comparatively cooler reservoir with a temperature of 150–180°C.