The chemistry of waters of Te Aroha geothermal system

TR 2013/07
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Report: TR 2013/07

Author: L M Murithi (University of Auckland)

Abstract

Te Aroha geothermal system has been used for more than 100 years for several uses, including bathing, swimming and balneology. Previously there were more than 20 springs but this number has been halved in the intervening years.
The chemical surveys and analyses of the springs and determining the trends of the springs can be used to determine their potential application as well as their sustainability.

This project seeks to assess the chemistry of Te Aroha geothermal resource to determine the sustainability for continued production as well as assess the trends of the geothermal fluid.

The chemistry of waters of Te Aroha geothermal system [PDF, 2.4 MB]

Contents
Introduction 1
History of the system 2
Objectives of the report 6
Previous works 7
The Te Aroha geothermal system 11
Location 11
The resource 12
Geology 15
Chemistry 17
Methodology 20
Geothermometers 20
Silica (quartz) thermometers 21
Cation thermometers 22
Classification of thermal waters 23
Cl-SO4-HCO3 ternary diagram 23
Na-K-Mg triangular diagram 24
Cl-Li-B ternary diagram 25
Results and discussion 26
Conclusion 29
Recommendations 29
Appendix A - bore logs 33
Appendix B - Geothermal water quality site description sheet 36