The geochemistry of water and gas phases from high pCO2 sparkling springs within the northern Sikhote-Alin ridge region (Russian Far East)

Abstract

Two types of cold CO2 rich groundwaters are located within the northern part of the Sikhote-Alin ridge: the first type is a Ca–Mg–HCO3 water with low TDS content (≤ 1.7 g/l) and high concentrations of Fe2+, Mn2+, Ba2+, and SiO2, whilst the second type is a Na–HCO3 water with a high TDS content (≈ 14 g/l) and elevated concentrations of Li+, Btot, Sr2+, Br–, and I–. A notable feature of these waters is a predominance of CO2 in the gas phase (up to 99 vol. %) and low contents of other gases (CH4, N2, O2, etc.). The origins of both water types can be identified on the basis of water (δD, δ18O) and gas (δ13C, 3He/4He, 4He/20Ne) isotopic compositions considered in the context of the geology and hydrology of the region.