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Fluid geochemistry of Hot Springs Bay Valley, Akutan Island, Alaska

Journal Article · · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5124275

Several thermal springs and a fumarole field occur in Hot Springs Bay Valley on Akutan Island. The thermal springs are low in Mg, SiO/sub 2/-rich, and moderately concentrated in Na-Cl, a chemistry typically associated with hot-water hydrothermal systems. B/Cl ratios indicate the several sets of springs are derived from a common parent hot-water reservoir. Application of silica, cation, and sulfate-water oxygen-isotope geothermometry gives a range of 160-190/sup 0/C for the parent reservoir. Recent geophysical investigations performed in cooperation with the Geophysical Institute, U of Alaska, identified a broad zone of apparent low resistivity underlying the lower part of the valley in the vicinity of the thermal springs. Relatively high CH/sub 4/ content and low H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ ratios occur in gases from both the thermal springs and from the fumarole field located at the head of the valley about 4 km southeast of the hot springs. The similarity in H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ suggests underlying reservoirs are similar in both areas. Both sites have a ratio of He/He WRT atmospheric levels of about 7.0.

Research Organization:
Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
OSTI ID:
5124275
Journal Information:
Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Vol. 6; ISSN TGRCD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English