Minerals of Bolshoi Semiachik geothermal fields (Central Kamchatka, Russia)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Zhitova ◽  
Rezeda Ismagilova ◽  
Anastasia Sergeeva ◽  
Maria Nazarova ◽  
Anton Nuzhdaev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrothermal Solution ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Planetary Science ◽  
Gas Jet ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Thermal Fields ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Surface Mineralogy ◽  
Mineral Identification

<p>The volcanic complex Bolshoi Semiachik is characterized by intensive hydrothermal activity which is expressed by presence of thermal fields with gas-steam jets (T up to ~ 140 ºC), boiling pots (T up to ~ 100 ºC), warm lakes (T up to ~ 90 ºC) and ground (T up to ~ 97 ºC) . The circulating hydrothermal solution is rich in ammonium, sulfate and locally in carbonate. To date, little is known about surface mineralogy that occurs at the geothermal fields of the volcanic complex Bolshoi Semiachik. The major geological expeditions were carried out there in the 1960`s, and there was also some additional research carried out in the 1980`s. The study of minerals occurring at the surface of geothermal fields is relevant for planetary science since similar minerals are suggested for Mars and Europa (Jupiter moon) and geochemistry since such environments of mineral formation are very specific.</p><p>In the summer 2020 the expedition of the Institute of volcanology and seismology has been organized in order to monitor thermal fields and to conduct mineral and water samples for study. Here we report the first data on mineral identification of processed samples (at about 50). At that moment, minerals have been identified by powder X-ray diffraction and electron-microprobe analyses.</p><p>The surface of Bolshoi Semiachik geothermal fields is covered by clay minerals with montmorillonite that is rich in disseminated pyrite being the most abundant. Among salt minerals the common phases are sulfates: halotrichite-, copiapite and voltaite-group minerals, alunogen, gypsum and native sulphur. The SiO<sub>2</sub> polymorphs: tridymite, cristobalite are also found at the geothermal field surface. In the zone called Central Crater chalcantite has been found in association with rhomboclase and tridymite. Some samples with zeolite-group mineral - laumontite were also found, which at the moment is identified less reliably. The central (high temperature) part of deposits around steam-gas jet is composed of dickite in association with sulphur and quartz covered by alunogen and halotrichite efflorescent. The rim (at about 1 meter from the center) is composed of smectites, marcasite and natroalunite. This zonation is likely caused by pH which is lower at the central part where the steam unloads and increases at the peripheral area around the steam-gas jet.</p><p>Acknowledgment. The study has been supported by RFBR project # 20-35-70008. We are grateful to Volcanoes of Kamchatka for letting us to conduct the field works at Bolshoi Semiachik thermal fields. Experimental works on mineral identification have been carried out using Analytical Centre of IViS and Research Park of SPbU.</p>

scholarly journals Anatomy of the magmatic plumbing system of Los Humeros Caldera (Mexico): implications for geothermal systems

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Lucci ◽  
Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez ◽  
Federico Rossetti ◽  
Thomas Theye ◽  
John Charles White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Belt ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Plumbing System ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Plumbing Systems ◽  
Magmatic Plumbing System ◽  
Deep Depth

Abstract. Understanding the anatomy of magma plumbing systems of active volcanoes is essential not only for unraveling magma dynamics and eruptive behaviors but also to define the geometry, depth, and temperature of the heat sources for geothermal exploration. The Pleistocene–Holocene Los Humeros volcanic complex is part of the eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (central Mexico), and it constitutes one of the most important exploited geothermal fields in Mexico with ca. 90 MW of produced electricity. With the aim to decipher the anatomy (geometry and structure) of the magmatic plumbing system feeding the geothermal field at Los Humeros, we carried out a field-based petrological and thermobarometric study of the exposed Holocene lavas. Textural analysis, whole-rock major-element data, and mineral chemistry are integrated with a suite of mineral-liquid thermobarometric models. Our results support a scenario characterized by a heterogeneous multilayered system, comprising a deep (depth of ca. 30 km) basaltic reservoir feeding progressively shallower and smaller discrete magma stagnation layers and batches, up to shallow-crust conditions (depth of ca. 3 km). The evolution of melts in the feeding system is mainly controlled by differentiation processes through fractional crystallization (plagioclase + clinopyroxene + olivine + spinel). We demonstrate the inadequacy of the existing conceptual models, where a single voluminous melt-controlled magma chamber (or “Standard Model”) at shallow depths was proposed for the magmatic plumbing system at Los Humeros. We instead propose a magmatic plumbing system made of multiple, more or less interconnected, magma transport and storage layers within the crust, feeding small (ephemeral) magma chambers at shallow-crustal conditions. This revised scenario provides a new configuration of the heat source feeding the geothermal reservoir at Los Humeros, and it should be taken into account to drive future exploration and exploitation strategies.

scholarly journals Estimating the depth and evolution of intrusions at resurgent calderas: Los Humeros (Mexico)

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 527-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Urbani ◽  
Guido Giordano ◽  
Federico Lucci ◽  
Federico Rossetti ◽  
Valerio Acocella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Deformation ◽  
Local Heat ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Source Model ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geological Mapping ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Multiple Deformation

Abstract. Resurgent calderas are excellent targets for geothermal exploration, as they are associated with the shallow emplacement of magma, resulting in widespread and long-lasting hydrothermal activity. Resurgence is classically attributed to the uplift of a block or dome resulting from the inflation of the collapse-forming magma chamber due to the intrusion of new magma. The Los Humeros volcanic complex (LHVC; Mexico) consists of two nested calderas: the outer and older Los Humeros formed at 164 ka and the inner Los Potreros formed at 69 ka. The latter is resurgent and currently the site of an active and exploited geothermal field (63 MWe installed). Here we aim to better define the characteristics of the resurgence in Los Potreros by integrating fieldwork with analogue models and evaluating the spatio-temporal evolution of the deformation as well as the depth and extent of the intrusions responsible for the resurgence, which may also represent the local heat source(s). Structural field analysis and geological mapping show that the floor of the Los Potreros caldera is characterized by several lava domes and cryptodomes (with normal faulting at the top) that suggest multiple deformation sources localized in narrow areas. Analogue experiments are used to define the possible source of intrusion responsible for the observed surface deformation. We apply a tested relationship between the surface deformation structures and depth of elliptical sources to our experiments with sub-circular sources. We found that this relationship is independent of the source and surface dome eccentricity, and we suggest that the magmatic sources inducing the deformation in Los Potreros are located at very shallow depths (hundreds of metres), which is in agreement with the well data and field observations. We propose that the recent deformation at LHVC is not a classical resurgence associated with the bulk inflation of a deep magma reservoir; rather, it is related to the ascent of multiple magma bodies at shallow crustal conditions (<1 km depth). A similar multiple source model of the subsurface structure has also been proposed for other calderas with an active geothermal system (Usu volcano, Japan), suggesting that the model proposed may have wider applicability.

scholarly journals Estimating the depth and evolution of intrusions at resurgent calderas: Los Humeros (Mexico)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Urbani ◽  
Guido Giordano ◽  
Federico Lucci ◽  
Federico Rossetti ◽  
Valerio Acocella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Heat ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Source Model ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geological Mapping ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Deformation Pattern ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Geothermal Exploration

Abstract. Resurgent calderas represent a target with high potential for geothermal exploration, as they are associated with the shallow emplacement of magma, resulting in a widespread and long lasting hydrothermal activity. Therefore, evaluating the thermal potential of resurgent calderas may provide important insights for geothermal exploitation. Resurgence is classically attributed to the uplift of a block or dome resulting from the inflation of the collapse-forming magma chamber due to the intrusion of new magma. The Los Humeros volcanic complex (LHVC; Mexico), consisting of two nested calderas (the outer Los Humeros and the inner, resurgent, Los Potreros), represents an area of high interest for geothermal exploration to optimize the current exploitation of the active geothermal field. Here we aim at better define the characteristics of the resurgence in Los Potreros, by integrating field work with analogue models, evaluating the spatio-temporal evolution of the deformation and the depth and extent of the intrusions responsible for the resurgence and which may represent also the local heat source(s). Structural field analysis and geological mapping show that Los Potreros area is characterized by several lava domes and cryptodomes (with normal faulting at the top) that suggest multiple deformation sources localized in narrow areas. The analogue experiments simulate the deformation pattern observed in the field, consisting of magma intrusions pushing a domed area with apical graben. To define the possible depth of the intrusion responsible for the observed surface deformations, we apply established relations to our experiments. These relations suggest that the magmatic source responsible for the deformation is present at very shallow depths (hundreds of meters) which is in agreement with the well data and field observations. We therefore propose that the recent deformation at LHVC is not a classical resurgence associated with the bulk inflation of a deep magma reservoir; rather this is related to the ascent of shallow (<1 km) multiple magma bodies. A similar multiple source model of the subsurface structure has been also proposed for other calderas with an active geothermal system (Usu volcano, Japan) suggesting that the model proposed may have a wider applicability.

scholarly journals Fluid activity detection in geothermal areas using a single seismic station by monitoring horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyosuke Okamoto ◽  
Hiroshi Asanuma ◽  
Hiro Nimiya
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Seismic Station ◽  
Carbon Capture And Storage ◽  
Fluid Flows ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Spectral Ratios ◽  
Subsurface Structures ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Single Station

AbstractSubsurface structure survey based on horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratios is widely conducted. The major merit of this survey is its convenience to obtain a stable result using a single station. Spatial variations of H/V spectral ratios are well-known phenomena, and it has been used to estimate the spatial fluctuation in subsurface structures. It is reasonable to anticipate temporal variations in H/V spectral ratios, especially in areas like geothermal fields, carbon capture and storage fields, etc., where rich fluid flows are expected, although there are few reports about the temporal changes. In Okuaizu Geothermal Field (OGF), Japan, dense seismic monitoring was deployed in 2015, and continuous monitoring has been consistent. We observed the H/V spectral ratios in OGF and found their repeated temporary drops. These drops seemed to be derived from local fluid activities according to a numerical calculation. Based on this finding, we examined a coherency between the H/V spectral ratios and fluid activities in OGF and found a significance. In conclusion, monitoring H/V spectral ratios can enable us to grasp fluid activities that sometimes could lead to a relatively large seismic event.

scholarly journals Using the Paratunsky geothermal field to provide heating for Kamchatka

2019 ◽  
pp. 21-33
Author(s):  
A. V. Kiryukhin ◽  
N. B. Zhuravlev
Keyword(s):  
Waste Water ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Thermal Water ◽  
Discharge Rate ◽  
Local Heating ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Heat Energy ◽  
Heating Systems ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Potential Market

The Paratunsky geothermal field has been in operation since 1964, mostly in a self-flowing mode, with a discharge rate of approximately 250 kg/s of thermal water at temperatures of 70–90°С (47 Mw, with the waste water having a temperature of 35°С). The water drawn from the field is used for local heating, spa heating, and for greeneries in the villages of Paratunsky and Termal’nyi (3000 residents). The potential market of thermal energy in Kamchatka includes Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskii (180000 residents), Elizovo (39 000), and Vilyuchinsk (22 000). The heat consumption in the centralized heating systems for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskii is 1 623 000 GCal per annum (216 Mw). A thermohydrodynamic model developed previously is used to show that the Paratunsky geothermal reservoir can be operated in a sustainable mode using submersible pumps at an extraction rate of as much as 1375 kg/s, causing a moderate decrease in pressure (by no more than 8 bars) and temperature (by no more than 4°С) in the reservoir. Additional geothermal sources of heat energy may include the Verkhne-Paratunsky and Mutnovsky geothermal fields.

scholarly journals EXPEDITIONAL EXPLORATION OF THE KURIL ISLANDS IN 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 4(48) ◽  
pp. 101-107
Author(s):  
E.G. Kalacheva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Flux ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Hydrothermal Activity ◽  
Kuril Islands ◽  
Thermal Fields ◽  
Analytical Work ◽  
Magmatic Volatiles ◽  
The Kuril Islands ◽  
Volcanic Islands ◽  
Relationship Of

This report provides a brief description of the field work on the Kuril Islands. It was performed within the framework of the R&D theme, projects of the RSF and the RFFR, which are realized in the laboratory of postmagmatic processes of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology FEB RAS. Hydrological and hydrochemical works were performed on the rivers draining the slopes and thermal fields of the Sinarka, Kuntomintar volcanic massifs (Shiashkotan Island), and the Vernadsky and Karpinsky Ridges (Paramushir Island). The study of the chemical erosion of volcanic islands and the assessment of the hydrothermal export of magmatic volatiles are the goals of this work. Infrared photography was taken and the total flux of volcanic SO2 and diffusion flux of CO2 were measured on thermal fields in the caldera of Golovnin volcano. A detailed hydrogeochemical survey was made on the thermal fields of the Ebeko volcano to study the relationship of volcanic and hydrothermal activity of the volcano. For further analytical work, a large number of water and gas samples were taken and a representative collection of rocks and sediments was collected during the expedition.

scholarly journals Geochemical response of deep geothermal processes in the Litang region, Western Sichuan

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 626-645
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Guiling Wang ◽  
Linxiao Xing ◽  
Tingxin Li ◽  
Jiayi Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Recharge ◽  
Hot Springs ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Calcite Dissolution ◽  
Western Sichuan ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Positive Correlations

The geochemical characteristics of geothermically heated water can reveal deep geothermal processes, leading to a better understanding of geothermal system genesis and providing guidance for improved development and utilization of such resources. Hydrochemical and hydrogen oxygen isotope analysis of two geothermal field (district) hot springs based on regional geothermal conditions revealed that the thermal water in the Litang region is primarily of the HCO3Na type. The positive correlations found between F−, Li2+, As+, and Cl− indicated a common origin, and the relatively high Na+ and metaboric acid concentrations suggested a relatively long groundwater recharge time and a slow flow rate. The values of δD and δ18O were well distributed along the local meteoric line, indicating a groundwater recharge essentially driven by precipitation. The thermal reservoir temperature (152°C–195°C) and thermal cycle depth (3156–4070 m) were calculated, and the cold water mixing ratio (60%–68%) was obtained using the silica-enthalpy model. Finally, hydrogeochemical pathway simulation was used to analyze the evolution of geothermal water in the region. The results were further supported by the high metasilicate content in the region. Of the geothermal fields in the region, it was found that the Kahui is primarily affected by albite, calcite precipitation, and silicate, while the Gezha field is primarily affected by calcite dissolution, dolomite precipitation, and silicate.

scholarly journals Anatomy of the magmatic plumbing system of Los Humeros Caldera (Mexico): implications for geothermal systems

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Lucci ◽  
Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez ◽  
Federico Rossetti ◽  
Thomas Theye ◽  
John C. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Belt ◽  
Mineral Chemistry ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Plumbing System ◽  
Geothermal Exploration ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Mexican Volcanic Belt ◽  
Plumbing Systems ◽  
Magmatic Plumbing System

Abstract. Understanding the anatomy of magma plumbing systems of active volcanoes is essential not only for unraveling magma dynamics and eruptive behaviors, but also to define the geometry, depth and temperature of the heat sources for geothermal exploration. The Pleistocene-Holocene Los Humeros volcanic complex is part of the Eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Central Mexico) and it represents one of the most important exploited geothermal fields in Mexico with ca. 90 MW of produced electricity. A field-based petrologic and thermobarometric study of lavas erupted during the Holocene (post-Caldera stage) has been performed with the aim to decipher the anatomy of the magmatic plumbing system existing beneath the caldera. New petrographical, whole rock major element data and mineral chemistry were integrated within a suite of inverse thermobarometric models. Compared with previous studies where a single voluminous melt-controlled magma chamber (or "Standard Model") at shallow depths was proposed, our results support a more complex and realistic scenario characterized by a heterogeneous multilayered system comprising a deep (ca. 30 km) basaltic reservoir feeding progressively shallower and smaller distinct stagnation layers, pockets and batches up to very shallow conditions (1 kbar, ca. 3 km). Evolution of melts in the feeding system is mainly controlled by differentiation processes via fractional crystallization, as recorded by polybaric crystallization of clinopyroxenes and orthopyroxenes. Moreover, this study attempts to emphasize the importance to integrate field-petrography, texture observations and mineral chemistry of primary minerals to unravel the pre-eruptive dynamics and therefore the anatomy of the plumbing system beneath an active volcanic complex, which notwithstanding the numerous existing works is still far to be well understood. A better knowledge of the heat source feeding geothermal systems is very important to improve geothermal exploration strategies.

scholarly journals The structural architecture of the Los Humeros volcanic complex and geothermal field

2019 ◽  
Vol 381 ◽  
pp. 312-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluca Norini ◽  
Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez ◽  
Fernando Corbo-Camargo ◽  
Javier Lermo ◽  
Javier Hernández Rojas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Structural Architecture

scholarly journals Chemical and isotopic characterization of the thermal fluids emerging along the North–Northeastern Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Dotsika ◽  
P. Dalampakis ◽  
E. Spyridonos ◽  
G. Diamantopoulos ◽  
P. Karalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
High Enthalpy ◽  
Thermal Fluids ◽  
The North ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
West Part ◽  
Distinct Source ◽  
Isotopic Characterization

AbstractHydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids from major geothermal fields of middle/low temperature in N/NE Greece are examined [basins: Strymon River (SR), Nestos River Delta (ND), Xanthi–Komotini (XK), Loutros–Feres–Soufli (LFS) and Rhodope Massif]. The geodynamic context is reflected to isotopic/chemical composition of fluids, heat flow values and elevated CO2 concentrations in emitted fluids. B and Li are derived from leaching of the geothermal systems hosting rocks. δ18OH2O, δ18OSO4, δ13CCO2 values and chemical compositions of Cl, B and Li of geothermal discharges suggest two distinct source fluids. Fluids in SR exhibit high B/Cl and Li/Cl ratios, suggesting these constituents are derived from associated magmas of intermediate composition (andesitic rocks). Geothermal discharges in LFS exhibit low B/Cl and Li/Cl ratios, implying acid (rhyolitic) magmatism. δ13CCO2 and CO2/(CO2 + 105He) ratios in the west part, suggest fluids affected by addition of volatiles released from subducted marine sediments. For the eastern systems, these ratios suggest gas encountered in systems issued from mixing of crustal and mantle-derived volatiles. Isotopic geothermometers reflect, for the same direction, equilibrium processes more (LFS, XK) or less (SR) pronounced and discriminate the geothermal field from low to middle [SR, ND (Erasmio)] and middle to high enthalpy [ND (Eratino), LFS, XK].

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