| Title | A Preliminary Report of Na/K/Ca Geothermometric Mapping in the San Jacinto and Elsinore Fault Zones, Southern California |
|---|---|
| Authors | Owen, William P.; Tien-Chang Lee |
| Year | 1986 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Exploration; Geochemical Surveys; USA; Southern California; San Bernardino; Geothermometry; Lake Arrowhead; Borrego |
| Abstract | Na/K/Ca geothermometry is used to identify sties for future geothermal exploration of low temperature geothermal resources (<90°C) in the San Jacinto and Elsinore fault zones. Based on 1,800 chemical analyses of well waters compiled form literature, Na/K/Ca temperatures reveal eleven enclosed anomalies. With one exception located to the east of Borrego, these anomalies are substantiated by locations of warm wells and hot springs. The calculated temperatures (50°C to 65°C) are comparable with measured temperatures at thermal wells and hot springs except at Lake Arrowhead where reported temperatures (90°C) is considerably higher. Isothermal contouring also fails to enclose a known anomaly at Elsinore. Overall, Na/K/Ca geothermometry appears applicable in a reconnaissance survey to recommend sites for subsequent, detailed exploration. Quality of Na/K/Ca mapping can be improved by judicially rejecting bad data and refining the grid size for site specific smaller scale mapping. |