pH dependant isotope variations in arc-type geothermal waters: New insights into their origins

In arc-type geothermal systems along the circum-Pacific rim, low pH well discharges in the geothermal systems of Japan and the Philippines are more enriched in oxygen-18 or deuterium or both as compared to neutral pH waters found in the same systems. Isotope enrichment of both oxygen-18 and deuterium means higher percentage of magmatic vapour contribution to the well discharges due to the fact that un-neutralized magmatic water carries much abundant hydrogen ions to keep the water at a lower pH. This is consistent with the observation that acid geothermal waters usually occur near the volcanic heat source of a geothermal system, where the magmatic component tends to reach a higher percentage.