Field-based tests of geochemical modeling codes using New Zealand hydrothermal systems

Technical Report · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/60846· OSTI ID:60846

Bruton, C J; Glassley, W E; Bourcier, W L

Hydrothermal systems in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, North Island, New Zealand are being used as field-based modeling exercises for the EQ3/6 geochemical modeling code package. Comparisons of the observed state and evolution of the hydrothermal systems with predictions of fluid-solid equilibria made using geochemical modeling codes will determine how the codes can be used to predict the chemical and mineralogical response of the environment to nuclear waste emplacement. Field-based exercises allow us to test the models on time scales unattainable in the laboratory. Preliminary predictions of mineral assemblages in equilibrium with fluids sampled from wells in the Wairakei and Kawerau geothermal field suggest that affinity-temperature diagrams must be used in conjunction with EQ6 to minimize the effect of uncertainties in thermodynamic and kinetic data on code predictions.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 60846
• Report Number(s): UCRL-ID--118009; ON: DE95005658
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
58 GEOSCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGIC MODELS
Geothermal Legacy
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
KAWERAU GEOTHERMAL FIELD
NEW ZEALAND
ROCK-FLUID INTERACTIONS
THERMODYNAMICS
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
WAIRAKEI GEOTHERMAL FIELD
Yucca Mountain Project