Geochemical indicators of subsurface temperature: Part 1, basic assumptions
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Abstract
The chemical and isotopic compositions of hot-spring water and gas are used to estimate subsurface temperatures. The basic assumptions inherent in the methods are seldom stipulated. These assumptions include (1) a temperature-dependent reaction at depth, (2) a supply of the solid phase involved in the reaction to permit saturation of the constituent used for geothermometry, (3) water-rock equilibrium at depth, (4) negligible re-equilibration as the water flows to the surface, and (5) no dilution or mixing of hot and cold water. The first three assumptions are probably good for a few reactions that occur in many places. The last two assumptions probably are not valid for many hot-spring systems; information obtained is therefore for the shallower parts of those systems, or a limiting temperature (generally a minimum) is indicated.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Geochemical indicators of subsurface temperature: Part 1, basic assumptions |
| Series title | Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1974 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Description | 4 p. |
| First page | 259 |
| Last page | 262 |
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