GEOTHERMOMETRY OF HYDROTHERMAL WATERS IN THE GREAT BASIN, WESTERN UNITED STATES

Geothermal energy is a clean source of energy that can reduce current demands and dependence on finite fossil fuel resources. The development of geothermal resources in an individual area requires exploratory drilling, preceded by field investigations, geological surveys and geochemical analyses. In this study, concentrations of Na-Ca-K and Cl-SO4-HCO3 were measured in groundwater and surface water samples to determine the equilibrium temperature of the thermal source and degree of mixing with meteoric waters. These samples represent 21 sites within geothermal reservoirs in the Great Basin of the United States. Cation and anion concentrations were determined using titrimetric and gravimetric analyses, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively.