Hydrochemical characteristics and geothermometry applications of thermal waters in the Curuksu Graben, western Turkey

Abstract

In this study, we investigate chemical and isotopic characteristics of low-temperature geothermal waters issuing from carbonate reservoirs in the curuksu Graben within the eastern termination of the Buyuk Menderes Graben in western Turkey. Temperatures and pH values of geothermal waters vary from 20.1 to 24.6 degrees C and 6.62 to 7.11 and those of cold waters are 17.1 to 19.9 degrees C and 6.85 to 7.72, respectively. Geothermal waters are of Ca-HCO3 and Ca-SO4 types whereas cold waters are characterized by these two types and Mg-HCO3 as well. delta 18O and delta D values of samples vary from -9.27%o to -7.69%o (VSMOW) and -58.06%o to -52.2%o and indicate a meteoric origin with local recharge. Tritium contents are from 0.12 to 2.17 TU for thermal waters and 0.28 to 4.85 TU for the cold waters implying relatively longer residence time for the hot waters. Thermal water samples mostly have positive delta 13C values (varying from -0.32%o to +1.99%o) and carbon in these waters is likely derived from marine limestone or metamorphic CO2. delta 34S and delta 18O values of dissolved sulfate in the waters indicate that sulfur originates from dissolution of marine evaporite deposits (e.g., gypsum). curuksu waters are generally oversaturated with respect to calcite, dolomite and quartz but undersaturated with respect to gypsum. Common ion effect exerted a strong control for the formation of travertine deposits in the area. Chemical and isotopic evaluations indicated that the diversity in the water chemistry of samples is attributed to a combination of processes including water-rock interaction, ion exchange and mixing of various types of waters. curuksu thermal waters are immature and not in chemical equilibrium with the reservoir rock. Among the various geothermometers applied to curuksu thermal waters, temperatures computed by chalcedony, quartz and CaMg geothermometers are 21-52 degrees C, 49-83 degrees C and 73-96 degrees C, respectively. HCO3-SO4-F and anhydrite-chalcedony (quartz) diagrams estimated a temperature range of 63-86 degrees C and delta 18O(SO4-H2O) isotope geothermometer yielded 67-78 degrees C.