Isotopic Determinations of Buranga and Katwe Travertine Deposits, Uganda

Abstract

The report is a result of preliminary interpretation made on isotopic data as part of the GEOTHERM programme between BGR and DGSM. Isotopic determination was carried out on travertine samples from Buranga and Katwe to determine the likely source of heat being mined by Buranga and Katwe geothermal systems. The exercise was to determine whether there is any magmatic carbon input in the fluids or it was lacustrine carbonates / organic sedimentary rocks. Limestone (lacustrine origin) from Muhokya was also sampled for comparison purposes. Trace element analysis was also carried out on these samples to supplement the isotopic determination. Isotopic determination of ä18O and ä13C was carried out at the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited in New Zealand (Stable Isotope Laboratory) while trace analysis was carried out at Act lab Ultrace in Canada.