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

Open-File Report 77-654
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr77654

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Abstract

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)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Chemical, isotopic, and gas compositions of selected thermal springs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 77-654
DOI 10.3133/ofr77654
Edition -
Year Published 1977
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description iv, 42 p. :ill., maps ;27 cm.; (56 p. - PGS)
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