Advanced characterization of hydrothermal flows within recharge and discharge areas using rare earth elements, proved through a case study of two-phase reservoir geothermal field, in Southern Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Rare earth element (REE) analysis is effective for tracing water–rock interactions and solute transport in geothermal and groundwater systems. This study aimed to clarify hydrothermal flows within recharge and discharge areas of a geothermal system. We selected a well-known high-temperature geothermal field with two-phase reservoir in Southern Bandung, West Java (Indonesia) as a case study target, and collected 31 river/spring samples and 8 well rock samples. The measured total REE series concentrations ranged widely in the water samples, i.e., rivers: 3.4–35 ppt, cold springs: 0.3–284 ppt, and hot springs: 1.4 ppt to 102 ppm. Enrichment of light REEs (LREEs) in the water samples was characterized more clearly by Post Archean Australian Shale normalization than by chondrite normalization. Speciation analysis derived the following interpretations: dissolved REEs in the river water originated from free ions or Ln3+ that are typically contained in near-surface groundwater, and the dominant components were carbonate (LnCO3+) and Ln3+ complexes in the cold springs and LnCO3+ complexation in the hot springs. Steam and gas condensation into less-oxygenated groundwater can be indicated by rich LnCO3+. Only one hot spring was interpreted as being directly connected with the reservoir by strong H2S condensation and LREE enrichment. The water of the other cold and hot springs probably underwent dilution, evaporation, and magmatic gas condensation through shallow, deep, and deep-perched aquifers, permeable zones, and a major fault within the recharge and discharge areas. REE results also suggest that the main constituents of the aquifers are carbonates and silicate minerals and hydrothermally altered lahars, andesitic lava, and pyroclastic flow deposits. REEs facilitate detailed interpretation of geochemistry facies in shallow–deep waters of a hydrothermal system. Finally, integration of the analysis results of REEs, major anions and cations, water isotopes, and strontium isotopes improved a conceptual model of groundwater flows and recharge–discharge interactions in aquifers feeding a geothermal reservoir.