A Reevaluation of Geothermal Potential of the Wilbur Hot Springs Area, California

Abstract

In a recent assessment of the geothermal potential of the Wilbur Mining District, it was estimated that a thermal brine at about 150°C is present at depths less than 3 km. The Na-K-Ca geothermometer applied to the four major spring groups in this area gives temperatures ranging from 220 to 240°C. The magnesium corrected geothermometer gives inconsistent temperatures suggesting that Mg enters the water during its passage from the reservoir to the surface. For this reason the Mg correction is not considered appropriate and the fluids are estimated to have originated at 230°C. From the CH3, H2S and CO2 concentrations in the spring gases at Wilbur Hot Springs and from equations devised primarily for use in steam wells, reservoir temperatures from 227°C to 242°C are calculated.