Geology and geothermal resources of the eastern Centennial Valley

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Mont. Geol. Soc., Annu. Field Conf., Guideb.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6200412

Sonderegger, J L

An investigation was conducted in the basement province of McMannis (Montana) which is typified by the absence of Belt strata, a generally Paleozoic and Mesozoic sequence, abundant Cenozoic basin deposits and volcanic ejecta, and extensive exposures of pre-Belt metamorphic rock. The study area is bounded to the West by the Tendoy Mountains, and Snowcrest Range, the easternmost ranges with proven thrust faulting as the dominant Laramide structural mechanism. Late Cenozoic mountain formation is due to block faulting. To the north, south, and east, the Gravelly, and Centennial ranges, and the Henry's Lake Mountains, respectively, are believed to be formed by block faulting. Most of the structural grain has been previously ascribed to the Laramide orogeny. The geologic framework of the study area is described and an interpretation of its Cenozoic history is given. Warm water occurrences were found to be restricted to the north side of the Centennial Valley. A total of seven springs have a combined discharge of about 2700 gallons per minute and an average temperature of 27/sup 0/C. A zone of water approximately 5/sup 0/C above the background temperature was depicted along the western half of the north side of Upper Red Rock Lake and along the marshy channel connected it with the Lower Red Rock Lake. Location of the spring discharge appears to be controlled by both Laramide and Tertiary structures. The chemistry of the spring and well waters is discussed. (MCW)

• Research Organization: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Butte
• DOE Contract Number: AA07-76RL02426
• OSTI ID: 6200412
• Journal Information: Mont. Geol. Soc., Annu. Field Conf., Guideb.; (United States), Journal Name: Mont. Geol. Soc., Annu. Field Conf., Guideb.; (United States); ISSN MGAGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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