Determining the Lifespan of Hydrothermal Systems Using Thermochronology and Thermal Modeling

Abstract

Hydrothermal springs (or "hot springs") are the emergence of hot groundwater at the earth's surface (Pentecost et al., 2003;White, 1957). These springs reflect deep circulation of meteoric water that is heated in the upper ∼5 km of the earth's crust and are thought to reflect geothermal anomalies and zones of enhanced crustal permeability (Ferguson & Grasby, 2011;Grasby & Hutcheon, 2001). These systems offer vital information of a region's hydrological, climatic and tectonic histories (Gao et al., 2013;Grasby & Hutcheon, 2001;Lynne, 2012), providing important insight into the interaction between atmospheric and lithospheric processes at and near earth's surface. In recent decades, the desire to transition to carbon neutral electricity production has driven the exploration for geothermal energy resources as a form of renewable energy (Tester et al., 2006), and hydrothermal springs have been used to focus exploration activity. However, our understanding of hydrothermal springs remains incomplete, especially when considering the longevity and resilience of systems through major climatic and landscape changes (Skinner, 1997). In any energy system, the reliability of a resource is vital to the production of electricity and the lifespan of these geothermal

Detecting thermal anomalies using thermochronometry around hydrothermal alteration zones in the Kii Peninsula, southwest Japan – An attempt

“…Elucidating past hydrothermal activity is also an important target of thermochronology. For example, a growing number of studies have applied thermochronometry to detect thermal anomalies derived from uid activity along fault zones (e.g., Tagami et al, 2001;Murakami et al, 2002;Tagami and Murakami, 2007;Wöl er et al, 2010;Ault et al, 2016;Milesi et al, 2019Milesi et al, , 2020Louis et al, 2019;Jess et al, 2021). Furthermore, a number of studies have reported thermal anomalies and cooling dates related to ore-forming uids (e.g., Arne et al, 1990;Wilson et al, 2003;Yuan et al, 2009;Márton et al, 2010;Wang et al, 2015).…”

Detecting thermal anomalies using thermochronometry around hydrothermal veins in the Kii Peninsula, southwest Japan – An attempt

“…, 2019;Jess et al, 2021). Furthermore, a number of studies reported thermal anomalies and cooling dates related to ore-forming uids (e.g.,Arne et al, 1990;Wilson et al, 2003;Yuan et al, 2009;Márton et al, 2010;Wang …”