Geochemistry of the Wendel-Amedee Geothermal System, California
- Key words
- Exploration; USA; California; Basin & Range; Wendel; Amedee; Chemistry; Chloride; Equilibrium Temperature; Geothermometers; Mercury Survey; ppm; pH; Salinity; Silica; TDS; Boron; NaCl; Hot Springs; Hydrothermal
- Location
- Wendel, California; Amedee, California
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1984
- Session
- Exploration; Geochemical surveys; Brine chemistry; Geothermo
- Language
- English
Abstract
The fluid chemistry of the geothermal system that feed Amedee and Wendel Hot Springs in eastern California is complex. Two thermal fluids have been identified based on the concentrations of the conservative elements C1 and B, fluid enthalpies, and the application of chemical geothermometers. One is characterized by temperatures above 120°C and a TDS content of 1300 ppm, and will be used by GeoProducts Corporation to produce electricity. The second did lower in temperature, 75°C, and has a TDS content of 650 ppm. This fluid may be used fore direct heat application at the Susanville Correctional Institute. Both Amedee and Wendel Hot Springs discharge waters which are mixtures of these two types. Warm waters discharged form some of the shallow wells in this area have temperatures of 20°-30°C and appear to be conductively heated groundwater. Cold groundwaters range in TDS contents from 200 to 2000 ppm. This variation is salinity may be due to fluid contact with saline lake deposits.
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