1985

New evidence on the hydrothermal system in Long Valley caldera, California, from wells, fluid sampling, electrical geophysics, and age determinations of hot-spring deposits

Basic Information
Author: 
Sorey M.L., Suemnicht G.A., Sturchio N.C., Nordquist G.A.
Description: 
Data collected since 1985 from test drilling, fluid sampling, and geologic and geophysical investigations provide a clearer definition of the hydrothermal system in Long Valley caldera than was previously available. This information confirms the existence of high-temperature (> 200°C) reservoirs within the volcanic fill in parts of the west moat. These reservoirs contain fluids which are chemically similar to thermal fluids encountered in the central and eastern parts of the caldera. The roots of the present-day hydrothermal system (the source reservoir, principal zones of upflow, and the magmatic heat source) most likely occur within metamorphic basement rocks beneath the western part of the caldera. Geothermometer-temperature estimates for the source reservoir range from 214 to 248°C. Zones of upflow of hot water could exist beneath the plateau of moat rhyolite located west of the resurgent dome or beneath Mammoth Mountain. Lateral flow of thermal water away from such upflow zones through reservoirs in the Bishop Tuff and early rhyolite accounts for temperature reversals encountered in most existing wells. Dating of hot-spring deposits from active and inactive thermal areas confirms previous interpretations of the evolution of hydrothermal activity that suggest two periods of extensive hot-spring discharge, one peaking about 300 ka and another extending from about 40 ka to the present. The onset of hydrothermal activity around 40 ka coincides with the initiation of rhyolitic volcanism along the Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain that extends beneath the caldera's west moat.
Publication Date: 
Tuesday, January 1, 1991
Resource Language: 
English
Intelectual Originator Contact
Organization Name: 
U.S. Geological Survey,
Person Name: 
Soreya, Michael L.
Street Address: 
345 Middlefield Road MS 977
City: 
Menlo Park,
State/Province: 
CA
Postal Code: 
94025
Country: 
United States
Phone: 
650-329-4668
Email: 
garcia@usgs.gov
Resource Information
Access Statement: 
For purchase through ScienceDIrect publications at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0377027391900452
Constraints Statement: 
Published by Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research Volume 48, Issues 3-4, December 1991, Pages 229-263
Quality Statement: 
Professional publication
Resource Distribution Contact
Organization Name: 
ScienceDirect
Person Name: 
Elsevier Regional Sales Office Customer Support Department
Street Address: 
P.O. Box 945
City: 
New York
State/Province: 
NY
Postal Code: 
10159-0945
Country: 
United States
Phone: 
1 888 615 450
Geographic Extent
North bounding latitude: 
37.9174
South bounding latitude: 
37.389
West bounding longitude: 
-119.106
East bounding longitude: 
-118.402
Temporal Extent
Temporal Extent: 
1985-01-01 - 1991-01-01
Previous Citation
Bibliographic Citation: 
Sorey M.L., Suemnicht G.A., Sturchio N.C., Nordquist G.A., 1991. New evidence on the hydrothermal system in Long Valley caldera, California, from wells, fluid sampling, electrical geophysics, and age determinations of hot-spring deposits. (1991) Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 48 (3-4), pp. 229-263.
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