Determination of Flow Rates, Volumes and Temperatures in Okianga Geyser, Rotorua

Abstract

Temperature, chemical composition, and flow rate data were collected from Okianga geyser in order to learn about the hydrodynamics of its operation. Temperature profiles over time were logged for six depths between surface level and 2 metres depth. These profiles indicated the existence of pressure disturbances, the behaviour of convection currents, and the depths at which inflows and inversion layers occurred. Fluorescent dyes were used to measure flow rates but could not quantitatively indicate eruptive volumes. Total dissolved solids (tds), pH, and conductivity changed during the geyser cycle. During a dormant phase eruption was induced by raising and abruptly lowering the water levels, providing information about the hydrodynamics of the geysers at depths beyond which the temperature probes could not reach. It was inferred that large volumes of ground water of recent meteoric origin tend to quench the geyserís eruptive ability.