Multivariate statistical analyzing of chemical parameters of thermal and non-thermal springs of Mahalat area in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Arak University of Technology, Department of Mining Engineering, Arak, Iran

2 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran

Abstract

In this study multivariate statistical analysis are used to characterize relationships between hydrochemical properties of
thermal and non-thermal springs. Four factors for thermal waters and two for non-thermal springs were extracted based
on factor analysis. In thermal springs, the first factor showed high loading on Ca, Mg, Na and K and this factor was
interpreted as leaching of cations in the rocks by meteoric thermal water. The second factor showed high loading on SO4
and it was assumed to be extracted from gypsum dissolution. The third factor showed loading on HCO3 and it was
interpreted to be caused by dissolution of limestone. The forth factor showed high loading on SiO2 and it was supposed to
be result of alteration of silicate minerals. The δ18O-enrichment with respect to the meteoric water line (MWL), confirms
that thermal waters have been diluted by shallow waters with meteoric origin. Comparison of the chemistry of thermal
and non-thermal springs and other evidences are indicative of an immature hydrothermal water system in Mahalat.
Quartz and Chalcedony geothermometery show the range of 96oC to 131 oC temperature for the Mahalat reservoir.

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 February 2013
  • Revise Date: 13 March 2013
  • Accept Date: 29 May 2013

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