INSIGHTS INTO THE CHEMISTRY OF WATERS BEYOND THE TE AROHA DOMAIN

Abstract

The Te Aroha geothermal system has been utilized for several direct use applications including balneology, bathing and swimming since 1889. Data has been collected on this historic area since that time. The low temperature geothermal system produces bicarbonate rich fluids.
The results from studies over the past three decades were used to gain further comprehension of the Te Aroha geothermal system. This project includes the geochemical analysis of the first private bores sampled beyond the Te Aroha Domain and focuses on the relation of those fluids to the fluids sampled in 1993 and 2012 from bores within the Te Aroha Domain. Some of the bores drilled within the domain exhibit geysering, this work will assess the mechanism behind that behavior. This work also seeks to assess the trends of the fluids in the Te Aroha region and the potential for sustainable utilization of the reservoir. Additionally, the present work provides insight into the geological setting of the system using the available data including stratigraphic bore logs.