Genesis Mechanisms of Geothermal Resources in Mangkang Geothermal Field, Tibet, China: Evidence from Hydrochemical Characteristics of Geothermal Water

Abstract

The Mangkang geothermal field, distributed in the Mediterranean–Himalayas geothermal belt, hosts abundant hot springs whose geneses remain unclear. To determine the hydrochemical characteristics, reservoir temperature, circulation and recharge depths, and water–rock interactions of the geothermal water in the geothermal field, this study analyzed hydrochemical compositions and isotopes (2H, 3H, and 18O), conducted a PHREEQC simulation, and established a conceptual model to illustrate the genesis of geothermal resources in the Mangkang field. Based on the study of hot springs in Meipu, Qvzika, and Zulongpu villages and Rumei town, the following results are reported: The orifice temperatures of these hot springs vary between 18 °C and 67.5 °C. The hydrochemical composition analysis results indicate that the geothermal water in the hot springs is of hydrochemical type HCO3-Ca·Mg. Moreover, the geothermal water has high HBO2 and Na+ concentrations, suggesting protracted water runoff and strong water–rock interactions during its evolution. According to the mineral–water solubility equilibrium and silica geothermometers, it is estimated that the reservoir temperature of the Zulongpu hot spring is 47 °C and other hot springs have much higher reservoir temperatures of 116–130 °C. As indicated by geothermal gradients, annual temperatures, and reservoir temperatures, the geothermal water in Meipu and Qvzika villages has the greatest circulation depth, up to 3600–4300 m, followed by that in Rumei town (3700–4000 m) and Zulongpu village (~1500 m). The 2H-18O isotopic analysis of the geothermal surface water revealed that the geothermal water originates from meteoric water. The recharge elevation was inferred to be ~4700–4900 m. Moreover, the low 3H values (<1 Tu) suggest that the geothermal water is older than 40 years. The PHREEQC inverse simulation results indicated that the variation in the hydrochemical composition of the geothermal water results from the precipitation of chalcedony and dolomite, the absorption of NaX, and the loss of CaX2 during migration and storage.