The Osorezan Hydrothermal System, Japan: Gold-Bearing Hot Springs
- Key words
- Exploration; Japan; Osorezan; Geochemistry; Mineralization; Thermal Springs; Hydrogen Sulfide; Caldera; Ore Minerals; Chemical Analysis; Gold
- Location
- Osorezan, Japan
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Exploration; Thermal springs; Geochemical surveys; Gold
- Language
- English
Abstract
The Osorezan Hot Spring area is located at the extreme north end of Honshu, just outside the city of Mutsu. The hot springs are located inside the e.24-.63 m.y. Usori caldera. Typically, the hot spring waters are dominated by Na and C1 and have field pH values ranging from 2.0to 6.0. The near neutral pH spring waters have elevated concentrations of As, H2S and B and lower NH3. Gold is found in the hot spring sediments at concentrations as high as 6.5 g/kg probably because of the high H2S contents. Cation geothermometry suggests that the thermal parent water may be 230-260°C. Results of this research will serve as a significant fluid in the exploration and interpretation of other young epithermal gold deposits in volcanic environments.
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