Hydrogeochemical Investigation of Thermal Springs in the Black Canyon - Hoover Dam Area, Nevada and Arizona

摘要

An estimated 80 liters/sec. of spring flow discharges from both sides of the Colorado River in Black Canyon, Nevada and Arizona. The spring issue primarily from the highly faulted and fractured volcanic rocks which are exposed throughout the canyon from Hoover Dam to 9.5 kilometers downstream. Chemical analysis of the spring waters, including environmental isotope and tritium results, indicate a variety of possible origins. Observed surface temperatures range from 24C to 62FC. Total dissolved solids values range from 500 mg/l to 3600 mg/l. The occasional absence of secondary mineral deposits suggests a potentially young system.