Abstract
The aim of this research project was to consider hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rocks and accompanying changes in their physical and mechanical properties on the thermal field of South Kamchatka. Under the influence of thermal water and steam original andesites and basaltic andesites gradually transform to clay-rich soils and then to opalites and secondary quartzites. The changes in the mineral composition, microstructure, and physical-mechanical properties of rocks and soils in the thermal field were studied. Argillic hydrothermal alteration has gradually decomposed andesites to weak clay-rich soils which form a cover above the field. Elevated sites on the thermal field are composed of opalites and monoquartzites. Progressive hydrothermal alteration of andesites and changes in their properties promotes a broad range of geological phenomena including initiation of landslides, migration of thermal manifestations, changes in relief, and surface deformation.
Highlights
Geothermal energy is one of non-conventional sources, which is used for electricity production in 23 countries and for heat supply in more than 80 countries
Discharge of thermal water and steam on the surface leads to formation of thermal fields, which are characterized by high concentration of thermal manifestations
Progressive hydrothermal alteration of rocks and changing the properties promotes a broad range of geological phenomena including slope instability and failure with the initialization of landslides, hydrothermal explosions, migration of thermal manifestations, and surface deformation and subsidence
Summary
Geothermal energy is one of non-conventional sources, which is used for electricity production in 23 countries and for heat supply in more than 80 countries. Progressive hydrothermal alteration of rocks and changing the properties promotes a broad range of geological phenomena including slope instability and failure with the initialization of landslides, hydrothermal explosions, migration of thermal manifestations, and surface deformation and subsidence. These processes have an influence on the exploitation of geothermal field, and in some cases, they could prove to be hazardous for the economic or tourist development of geothermal site.
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