Geology topics

T. S. Presser

Publications and source records attributed to T. S. Presser.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

USGS1977

Chemical, isotopic, and gas compositions of selected thermal springs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah

Twenty-seven thermal springs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah were sampled for detailed chemical and isotopic analysis. The springs issue sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium mixed-anion waters of near neutral (6.2) to alkaline (9.2) pH. High concentrations of fluoride, more than 8 milligrams per liter, occur in Arizona in waters from Gillard Hot Springs, Castle Hot Springs, and the unnamed spring of Eagle Creek, and in New Mexico from springs along the Gila River. Deuterium compositions of the thermal waters cover the same range as those expected for meteoric waters in the respective areas. The chemical compositions of the thermal waters indicate that Thermo Hot Springs in Utah and Gillard Hot Springs in Arizona represent hydrothermal systems which are at temperatures higher than 125 deg C. Estimates of subsurface temperature based on the quartz and Na-K-Ca geothermometer differ by up to 60 deg C for Monroe, Joseph, Red Hill, and Crater hot springs in Utah. Similar conflicting estimates of aquifer temperature occur for Verde Hot Springs, the springs near Clifton and Coolidge Dam, in Arizona; and the warm springs near San Ysidro, Radium Hot Springs, and San Francisco Hot Springs, in New Mexico. Such disparities could result from mixing, precipitation of calcium carbonate, or perhaps appreciable concentrations of magnesium. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1976

Chemical characteristics of the major thermal springs of Montana

Twenty-one thermal springs in western Montana were sampled for chemical, isotope, and gas compositions. Most of the springs issue dilute to slightly saline sodium-bicarbonate waters of neutral to slightly alkaline pH. A few of the springs issue sodium-mixed anion waters of near neutral pH. Fluoride concentrations are high in most of the thermal waters, up to 18 milligramsper litre, while F/Cl ratios range from 3/1 in the dilute waters to 1/10 in the slightly saline waters. Most of the springs are theoretically in thermodynamic equilibrium with respect to calcite and fluorite. Nitrogen is the major gas escaping from most of the hot springs; however, Hunters Hot Springs issue principally methane. The deuterium content of the hot spring waters is typical of meteoric water in western Montana. Geothermal calculations based on silica concentrations and Na-K-Ca ratios indicate that most of the springs are associated with low temperature aquifers (less than 100?C). Chalcedony may be controlling the silica concentrations in these low temperature aquifers even in 'granitic' terranes.

Open-File Report↗

USGS1976

Chemical composition data and calculated aquifer temperature for selected wells and springs of Honey Lake Valley, California

Major element, minor element, and gas composition data are tabulated for 15 springs and wells in Honey Lake Valley, California. Wendel and Amedee hot springs issue Na-S04-C1 waters at boiling or near boiling temperatures; the remaining springs and wells issue Na-HC03 waters at temperatures ranging from 14 to 33 deg C. Gases escaping from the hot springs are principally nitrogen with minor amounts of methane. The geothermometers calculated from the chemical data are also tabulated for each spring. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1975

Short chain aliphatic acid anions in oil field waters and their contribution to the measured alkalinity

High alkalinity values found in some formation waters from Kettleman North Dome oil field are due chiefly to acetate and propionate ions, with some contribution from higher molecular weight organic acid ions. Some of these waters contain no detectable bicarbonate alkalinity. For waters such as these, high supersaturation with respect to calcite will be incorrectly indicated by thermodynamic calculations based upon carbonate concentrations inferred from traditional alkalinity measurements

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta↗

USGS1974

The chemical composition and estimated minimum thermal reservoir temperatures of the principal hot springs of northern and central Nevada

Fifty-five of the principal hot springs in northern and central Nevada have been sampled for chemical analyses. Major element constituents, sodium, potassium, calcium, and silica suggest minimum thermal-aquifer temperatures of 140°C or more at 16 of the hot spring complexes. At least five of the hot springs issue mixed waters which may indicate thermal-aquifer temperatures significantly lower than the true thermal-aquifer temperature. Sodium is the principal cation in almost all the spring waters. Four springs in northern Nye County and adjacent Eureka County have approximately equal amounts of sodium and calcium. Bicarbonate is the principal anion in most of the spring waters. However, the sampled hot springs on the western edge of the State have chloride as the principal anion. A diffuse zone of bicarbonate chloride waters with or without sulfate separates the chloride and bicarbonate regions.

Nevada↗

USGS1974

Special techniques for determining chemical properties of geothermal water

A reliable determination of the chemical composition of geothermal fluids may require special sampling and preservation techniques. A sample collected without pretreatment is usually adequate for the analysis of sodium, potassium, and chloride. Other constituents may require further treatment or even analysis in the field, depending on the data requirements. The collection and preservation methods described permit accurate results for 31 chemical variables, including major and minor chemical constituents.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗