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

Open-File Report 74-1066
By: , and 

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Abstract

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.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The chemical composition and estimated minimum thermal reservoir temperatures of the principal hot springs of northern and central Nevada
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 74-1066
DOI 10.3133/ofr741066
Year Published 1974
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 32 p.
Country United States
State Nevada
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