Solid-Sample Geochemistry Study of Western Dixie Valley, Churchill County, Nevada -- Part I, Petrochemistry

Abstract

Numerous thermal springs present in northern Dixie Valley, Nevada, are the surface expression of a deep seated geothermal system. The structural setting, a complex asymmetric graben possible bifurcating to the north, controls the location of surface springs and migration of thermal fluids to the surface. A large-scale surface soil geochemical survey for mercury and arsenic and petrochemical analysis for selected trace elements in subsurface samples from two deep exploratory wells allowed for identification of steam and hot water entries and delineation of associated geochemical zonations. Data thus far indicate the Dixie Valley geothermal system is dynamic, with temperatures greater than 200°C at depths of 2500 m an access to thermal fluids controlled by structural and temporal parameters.