Application of Stable Isotope and Geochemical Techniques to Problems in Tracing Geothermal Recharge: The Reykjanes Peninsula
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
- Deuterium has come to be an important tracer In mapping hydrological flows and determining recharge for geothermal systems. In most cases the technique is simple to apply and usually consistent with geochemical methods. There are however instances where the methods diverge or the isotope data give absurd results. An example of this is the depletion of some geothermal brines in the deuterium species below levels that can be accounted for by meteoric feed.This report examines the evolution of stable isotope methods with particular emphasis given to fractionation processes active within the environment of geothermal systems. Models and theories which reconcile anomalies between geochemical and isotope analyses are developed and discussed.The geothermal systems of the lower Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, specifically Reykjanes and Svartsengi, are used a a focal point for this investigation. The brines of the two systems have identical deuterium concentrations, yet differ in salinity. The specific models discussed include the possible contribution of magmatic and connate waters. The existence of mineral-brine equilibria that could effect deuterium levels. Models proposed by other authors are discussed and criticized.Questions are raised concerning the application of deuterium analyses in systems were alteration processes have elevated the structural hydrogen content of the host rocks. Caution should also be exercised in interpreting analyses of brines evolved from super-critical systems. A model is presented for Reykjanes and Svartsengi systems which reconciles their divergent characteristics on the basis of differing meteoric feed sources and recirculation of flashed reservoir fluids.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Date created | June 1984 |
Creators/Contributors
| Author | Cindrich, Richard B. |
|---|---|
| Primary advisor | Gundmundsson, Jon S. |
| Degree granting institution | Stanford University, Department of Petroleum Engineering |
Subjects
| Subject | School of Earth Energy & Environmental Sciences |
|---|---|
| Subject | Stanford Geothermal Program |
| Genre | Thesis |
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Preferred citation
- Preferred Citation
- Cindrich, Richard B. (1984). Application of Stable Isotope and Geochemical Techniques to Problems in Tracing Geothermal Recharge: The Reykjanes Peninsula. Stanford Digital Repository. Available at: https://purl.stanford.edu/fq532bc3844
Collection
Master's Theses, Doerr School of Sustainability
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