Fluid geochemistry of the Makushin Geothermal Area, Unalaska Island, Alaska

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5124304

Scultze, L E; Bauer, D J

Several fumarole fields and numerous thermal springs occur on the eastern flanks of Makushin volcano. The thermal springs at Makushin are typically near-neutral in pH, have very low chloride levels (10 ppm), and are comparatively rich in Mg, Ca, SO/sub 4/, HCO/sub 3/ and SiO/sub 2/. Similarities in cation and isotopic compositions of Makushin thermal springs and local surface streams indicate the thermal waters are locally derived meteoric waters. These surface waters infiltrate to relatively shallow depths where they are heated by steam and gases rising from a vapor-dominated zone. Predominate fumarolic gases are CO/sub 2/, N/sub 2/, and sulfur gases. All samples showed a significant level of H/sub 2/ and a high H/sub 2//CH/sub 4/ ratio. The ratio of He//sup 4/He WRT atmospheric levels range from 4.5 to 6.0. Fumaroles and hot springs in the upper parts of Glacier and Makushin Valleys form a roughly linear trend, suggesting their distribution may be structurally controlled.

• Research Organization: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
• OSTI ID: 5124304
• 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

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15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
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CHALCOGENIDES
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FEDERAL REGION X
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SULFATES
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