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J. Michael Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to J. Michael Thompson.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2009

Seasonal variations of Zn/Cu ratios in acid mine water from Iron Mountain, California

Time-series data on Zn/Cu weight ratios from portal effluent compositions [(Zn/Cu) water ] at Iron Mountain, California, show seasonal variations that can be related to the precipitation and dissolution of melanterite [(Fe II ,Zn,Cu)SO 4 ·7H 2 O]. Mine water and actively forming melanterite were collected from underground mine workings and chemically analyzed. The temperature-dependent solubility of Zn-Cu-bearing melanterite solid solutions was investigated by heating-cooling experiments using the mine water. Rapid kinetics of melanterite dissolution and precipitation facilitated reversed solubility experiments at 25°C. Non-reversed solubility data were obtained in the laboratory at 4° and 35°C and at ambient underground mine conditions (38° and 42°C). Copper is partitioned preferentially to zinc into melanterite solid solutions at all temperatures investigated. During the annual dry season, values of (Zn/Cu) water in the Richmond portal effluent increase to values between 8 to 13, consistent with formation of melanterite during this period. During the annual wet season, the onset of high discharge from the mine portals is characterized by a significant decrease in (Zn/Cu) water to values as low as 2. This phenomenon may be caused by dissolution of melanterite with values of (Zn/Cu) solid ranging from 1.5 to 3.5.

California↗
USGS1984

KONOCTI BAY FAULT ZONE, LAKE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: A REEVALUATION.

The Konocti Bay Fault Zone (KBFZ), initially regarded by some as a promising liquid-dominated hydrothermal system, has been a disappointment as a geothermal prospect. Five exploratory wells have been drilled in the vicinity of the KBFZ, but none of them are producing thermal fluids; in fact, three have been abandoned. This may be because hydrothermal fluid discharges along the KBFZ are low. The Na-K-Ca and Na-Li geothermometers indicate that the waters discharging around Howard and Seigler Springs may have equilibrated at temperatures above 200 degree C. If boiling has occurred or is occurring, a chloride-enthalpy diagram may be appropriate. Such a diagram for the KBFZ shows that a water in excess of 250 degree C existed or may exist in the area. However, because currently measured temperatures rarely exceed 50 degree C and magnesium concentration in the water is high, very little deep high temperature water may be present. Refs.

Conference Paper↗