Boundary Creek Thermal Areas of Yellowstone National Park: II. Thermal Water Analyses

Abstract

Water samples room 28 thermal springs, 2 non thermal springs, and 2 creeks from the Boundary Creek Thermal Areas (BCTA) in the southwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park were analyzed to help establish a chemical water quality base line prior to possible geothermal exploitation of the Island Park Geothermal Area (IPGA). The springs, situated at the southwestern end of the Madison Plateau, are the Yellowstone Park thermal waters nearest to the IPGA and might respond to geothermal exploitation in the IPGA. Water temperatures ranging from 50° to 90°C and low C1 concentrations (<110 mgL-1) characterize spring waters in the BCTA. they are chemically distinct from the major geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone Park. The Na-K-Ca and silica geothermometers area in general agreement, usually within 10°C an indicate reservoir temperatures of 150-170°C.