Natural radioactivity in geothermal waters, Alhambra Hot Springs and nearby areas, Jefferson County, Montana
Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
By: Robert B. Leonard and Victor J. Janzer
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Abstract
Radioactive hot springs issue from a fault zone in crystalline rock of the Boulder batholith at Alhambra, Jefferson County, in southwestern Montana. The discharge contains high concentrations of radon, and the gross alpha activity and the concentration of adium-226 exceed maximum levels recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water. Part of the discharge is diverted for space heating, bathing, and domestic use. The radioactive thermal waters at measured temperatures of about 60°C are of the sodium bicarbonate type and saturated with respect to calcium carbonate. Radium-226 in the rock and on fractured surfaces or coprecipitated with calcium carbonate probably is the principal source of radon that is dissolved in the thermal water and discharged with other gases from some wells and springs. Local surface water and shallow ground water are of the calcium bicarbonate type and exhibit low background activity. The temperature, percent sodium, and radioactivity of mixed waters adjacent to the fault zone increase with depth. Samples from most of the major hot springs in southwestern Montana have been analyzed for gross alpha and beta activity. The high level of radioactivity at Alhambra appears to be related to leaching of radioactive material from siliceous veins by ascending thermal waters and is not a normal characteristic of hot springs issuing from fractured crystalline rock in Montana.
Suggested Citation
Leonard, R., Janzer, V.J., 1978, Natural radioactivity in geothermal waters, Alhambra Hot Springs and nearby areas, Jefferson County, Montana: Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey, v. 6, no. 4, p. 529-540.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Natural radioactivity in geothermal waters, Alhambra Hot Springs and nearby areas, Jefferson County, Montana |
| Series title | Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 1978 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Energy Resources Program |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 529 |
| Last page | 540 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson County |
| Other Geospatial | Alhambra Hot Springs |