Hydrogeochemistry of geothermal water in Huangshadong and adjacent areas of Guangdong province: Implications for water-rock interaction

Abstract

Hydrogeochemical characteristics can reflect important information on the circulation processes of geothermal fluids, reservoir temperatures, etc., which are essential for exploring geothermal field evolution and the rational development of geothermal resources. 23 sets of water samples were collected from Huangshadong and adjacent geothermal fields. Major cations and anions, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes, and 14C activities were analyzed to investigate the hydrogeochemical characteristics of geothermal fluids and their formation mechanisms. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis and major element chemistry indicate that the geothermal waters in the study area are mainly recharged by meteoric water. The chemical facies of the geothermal waters are mainly Na−HCO3 and Ca−HCO3, and most of the geothermal waters have high Na+ contents, which are attributed to the involvement of albite in water-rock interaction and the replacement of Na+ in rocks by Ca2+ or Mg2+ in water. Geothermometry of geothermal waters suggests that the reservoir temperatures are between 140-150 ℃, and the geothermal water circulation depths range from 2.0 to 4.3 km. The residence time of up to 17.3ka for geothermal water likely suggests the earliest precipitation recharge during the Late Pleistocene. Major element chemistry and hydrogen and oxygen isotope systematics indicate essential information on the origins of geothermal waters and water-rock interaction processes and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the geothermal system in Huangshadong and adjacent areas of Guangdong province.