Origins of Water and Solutes in and North of the Norris-Mammoth Corridor, Yellowstone National Park

Abstract

This study was initiated to investigate the impacts of geothermal development in the Corwin Springs Known Geothermal Resources Area (KGRA) on the hydrothermal features of Yellowstone National Park. To determine possible hydrogeochemical connections, we used the diagnostic stable and radioactive isotopes of several elements, and the chemical and gas compositions of thermal and cold waters form the Norris Mammoth Corridor and areas north of the Park. The investigations were particularly comprehensive in the Mammoth Hot Springs area, Corwin Springs KGRA, and Chico Hot Springs. The geochemical tools used are still subject to uncertainties of 1-5%. Preliminary interpretation of the data, especially the D and O values of water, SR/SR ratios, B values, composition and isotopes of noble gases and several conservative chemical species would indicate than the waters form Mammoth Hot Springs and La Duke Springs area have evolved chemically and isotopically by reactions with different rock types, and are probably not directly connected. These data indicate that a component of water in Bear Creek Springs may be derived from the Mammoth system.