Mixing of thermal and non-thermal waters in the Steamboat Hills area, Nevada, USA

Groundwater monitoring began in 1985 at two geothermal facilities in the Steamboat Hills area, Nevada. Wells representing non-thermal, thermal, and mixed waters are evaluated by assessing temporal variations in B and Cl concentrations, water levels, and temperature. The objective is to assess the hydrologic and geochemical connection between the fractured bedrock geothermal reservoir and the alluvial aquifer. Results suggest that fault-controlled groundwater flow between the geothermal system and the alluvial aquifer is the dominant hydrologic process. Temporal trends suggest that the thermal water component in the alluvial aquifer has increased in most areas but decreased in at least one area.#2002 CNR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.