Conditions in the deeper parts of the hot spring systems of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. [Proposed aquifer at depth of 2 to 4 km. , at 340 to 370/sup 0/C, and containing about 1,000 ppM NaCl]

Authors:
  • ATA.H. Truesdell
    A.H. Truesdell
  • RFR.O. Fournier
    R.O. Fournier
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Abstract
It is suggested that beneath Yellowstone thermal systems there is a large aquifer at a depth of 2 to 4 kilometers which contains a relatively homogeneous body of water at 340 to 370/sup 0/C containing about 1,000 ppM NaCl. This aquifer may be controlled entirely or in part by solution or fracture permeability that transects rock types. Water flows upwards from the deep aquifer along available fractures, losing steam in the process, and into more shallow aquifers that in turn feed the geyser and hot spring systems. In these shallow systems, it is diluted, reacts with rocks and fluids, and loses more steam to produce the varied hot spring waters of the Park. The deposition of silica at the bottom of the system and increased convection at near-critical temperatures will limit the maximum temperatures and depth of circulation of dilute high temperature thermal waters such as those of Yellowstone.