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Hydrogeochemical signatures origin of a karst geothermal reservoir–the Sinian Dengying Formation in northern Guizhou, China

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Abstract

The karst geothermal reservoir, Sinian Dengying Formation was investigated from the hydrogeochemical perspective. Integrated techniques including XRD + SEM, isotopes, saturation index and PHREEQC modeling were applied. With 37.3–72 ?, the targeted waters indicate low-mediate temperature geothermal reservoir. The CO2 concentration in the geothermal waters varies from 1.2 mg/L to 52.42 mg/L, and the log(PCO2) value ranges from −2.53 to −1.29, indicating an open carbonate system. A further D-18O stable isotope analysis addresses the geothermal waters are replenished by meteoric water from +815.52 m to +1427.78 m. Strong water-rock interactions are indicated by apparent 18O shift. The dominating hydrochemical type is SO4·HCO3-Ca·Mg with some Cl-Na. The CO2-TDS-SI-Carbonates comprehensive analysis illustrate the origin of Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3−, mainly from dolomite. The correlation of 18O-SO42-SI_Gypsum gives sound evidence for the processes of gypsum dissolution. Three inverse models were established and the results showed, that geothermal waters are controlled by two major factors: 1) the adjacent location to salt basin geological profiles with halite dissolution; and 2) the clay minerals such as Na-montmorillonite causing cation exchanges between Na+ and Ca2+ in the geothermal waters, resulting in excess of Na in relation to Cl concentrations.

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Acknowledgments

The study is funded by Guizhou Science and Technology Research Project for Social Development (QKHZC[2020]4Y005; QKHZC[2019]2875); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.: 42107080; 41662008; 51969006); Geological Scientific Research Project of the Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of Guizhou Province (QDKKH[2019]20); The Geological Exploration Fund Project of Guizhou Province (QGTZZHH[2017]257); The Youth Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (3234060), the Guizhou Universtiy Talent Project (GDRJHZ[2018]32).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Resources and Environmental Engineering College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China

    Pu Liu, Zhengshan Chen, Ganlu Wang, Chao Li & Hong Xie

  2. Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China

    Pu Liu

  3. Geological Team, Bureauog Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guizhou Province, Guizhou, 550018, China

    Zhengshan Chen & Tong Xiang

  4. Zhengye Engineering & Investment Incorporation Limited, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001, China

    Tie Mao

  5. Geological Team, Bureauog Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, China

    Yanan Zhou

  6. School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, University town, Gui’an New Area, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China

    Zhengshan Chen

  7. School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, University Town, Huaxi, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China

    Zhengshan Chen

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  1. Pu Liu
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Liu, P., Chen, Z., Wang, G. et al. Hydrogeochemical signatures origin of a karst geothermal reservoir–the Sinian Dengying Formation in northern Guizhou, China. Geosci J 28, 107–123 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-023-0030-9

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