11 Advances in Geothermal Resource Investigation (Posters)

Tuesday, 23 May 2017
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Room 323A/B/C

GEOGRAPHIC TRENDS IN THE HYDROTHERMAL WATERS OF YELLOWSTONE

Paper number: 11-5
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Authors

  • Theron Sowers Presenting Author
    California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
  • Amy Wagner
    California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
  • Evan Fau
    California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

Abstract

Investigations into the hydrothermal system in the caldera above the Yellowstone hotpot have been ongoing since 1888, primarily by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and comprehensive geochemical studies have been conducted since 1935. By compiling the geochemical data from the USGS that was collected from 1996 through 2013, GIS maps were created to examine trends in water chemistry (i.e. Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, pH) and stable isotope ratios. Park-wide data trends were determined by creating “Natural Neighbor” rasters. From those rasters, contour layers were created in order to be able to visually analyze multiple trends simultaneously.

A visual analysis of the layered contours and rasters throughout the system revealed significant (relative) enrichment in δ2H values and δ18O values. On average, however, δ18O values were more enriched than the δ2H counterparts and fall outside of the range for meteoric waters in the area, as would be expected in hydrothermal waters at or near boiling. The samples collected in 1996-98 and 2001 by the USGS in Brimstone Basin, which is located outside of the caldera in a “fossil” hydrothermal area and are among the coldest samples in the system (~ 4-10°C), have stable isotope values that show depletion of δ18O without corresponding δ2H depletion. Previous models to explain this δ18O depletion have suggested that it is due to either CO2-H2O oxygen exchange or anhydrite dissolution.

In addition to previously collected data on the hydrothermal system, several surface water samples were collected during July 2016 from the areas surrounding the park. These samples were analyzed for stable isotope values with the Los Gatos Research Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer at the Sacramento State WAGS Lab. Stable isotope ratios for these surface water samples fall within the normal range of meteoric waters in the region and fit the Global Meteoric Water Line developed by Craig (1961).

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 49, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2017CD-292833

© Copyright 2017 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.