共查询到20条相似文献，搜索用时 203 毫秒
1.
《Chemie der Erde / Geochemistry》2015,75(3):287-300
The chemical and isotopic characteristics (oxygen, hydrogen, and strontium) of spring waters and isotopic compositions of helium (He) and neon (Ne) in gases escaping from spring waters in the Lanping–Simao Basin are studied. A total of twenty-one spring water samples (twelve hot springs, four cold springs, and five saline springs) and eleven gas samples were collected from the study area, including one spring and one gas sample from northern Laos. It is found that saline spring waters in the study area are of chloride type, cold spring waters are of carbonate type or sulfate type, and hot spring waters are of various types. High total dissolved solids levels in saline springs are significantly related to Upper Cretaceous–Paleocene salt-bearing strata. On the basis of hydrochemical geothermometry, the reservoir temperatures (Tr) for hot springs, cold springs, and saline springs are 65.5–144.1, 37.8–64.4, and 65.1–109.0 °C, respectively, and the circulation depths of saline springs are much larger than those of hot and cold springs. The oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of springs in the Lanping–Simao Basin and northern Laos are primarily controlled by meteoric waters with obvious latitude and altitude effects, and are also influenced by δ18O exchange to some extent. Most Sr2+ in spring waters of the study area is derived from varied sources (carbonate, evaporite, and silicate mineral dissolution), and the Sr isotopic compositions are greatly influenced by volcanic rocks. Wide distribution of crust-derived He in the Lanping–Simao Basin and northern Laos reveal that faults in these areas may not descend to the upper mantle. It is concluded that water circulation in the study area may be limited above the upper mantle, while saline springs may originate from the Upper Cretaceous–Paleocene evaporites. Hydrochemical characteristics demonstrate affinities among the Lanping–Simao Basin, northern Laos, and Yanjing, eastern Tibet, while disaffinities are observed between these areas and Tengchong on the basis of the hydrochemical characteristics and noble gas isotopic compositions. 相似文献
2.
Semnan thermal springs with high TDS and moderate temperature are located northwest of Semnan, the northern part of Iran. The spatial and temporal variations of physicochemical characteristics of the thermal and cold springs were investigated for the recognition of origin and dominant hydrogeochemical processes. Results show that the thermal springs have the same origin, but due to different ascending flow paths and different conductive cooling mechanism, their temperatures vary. The chemical composition of thermal waters is controlled by dolomite, halite and sulfate minerals dissolution and calcite precipitation and bacterial sulfate reduction. The concentration of major and trace elements in the thermal springs does not change in wet and dry seasons notably because they are derived from old groundwater with deep circulation and high temperature. Seasonal change in the concentration of some trace elements is due to the seasonal variation of pH, Eh, temperature and dilution by shallow waters. Decreasing SO4 and carbonate saturation index and increasing Na/Cl ratios and Ca content in the dry season show dilution effect caused by the previous heavy rainfall events. The temperature of the heating reservoir based on K–Mg, chalcedony, quartz and chemical equilibrium approach was approximately estimated in the range of 60–80 °C. Hydrogeologically, a conceptual model was suggested for the thermal springs. The general groundwater flow direction is probably from the dolomite Lar Formation in Chenaran anticline toward the adjacent syncline in a confined condition, and then a thrust fault acts as a conduit and redirects the thermal water to the emerging springs at the surface. 相似文献
3.
重庆地区地下热水资源较为丰富,且地下热水的分布也比较特殊。着重对重庆温泉及地下热水的分布特征、水化学特征、热储构造、形成条件和成因模式等问题进行了总结。重庆附近地下热储为三叠系中、下统碳酸盐岩,地下热水的分布受到背斜构造控制,温泉大多在高隆起背斜轴部、两翼及倾末端出露,与常见的受断裂控制的断裂-深循环型地下热水的分布不同,属于盆地-出露型的地下热水分布类型,水温为32~64 ℃,属于中低温温泉。受背斜构造的影响,地下热水主要溶滤三叠系中、下统雷口坡组和嘉陵江组碳酸盐岩,TDS为2~3 g/L,水化学类型多为SO4—Ca型,长期溶滤作用使地下热水趋于淡化,但尚未达到淡水阶段。地下热水热源主要为正常的地热增温,大气降水为其补给来源,补给区高程约为670~1 500 m。大气降水在重庆各背斜核部岩溶露头区入渗,地下水沿着背斜两翼向热储层深部径流并获得加热后,顺构造线方向自南、自北向背斜中部或向背斜倾末端径流,在河流深切的峡谷地段碳酸盐岩裸露区或埋藏区出露成泉,或在背斜两翼人工揭露形成钻井温泉和坑道温泉。 相似文献
4.
为研究四川省康定市二道桥地区地下热水稳定同位素特征和热储温度,对二道桥地区5个温泉(井)即二道桥温泉(SC107、SC107-2)、康巴人家温泉(SC107-3)、自流热水井(SC107-4)、自喷热水井(SC107-5)进行调查和分析。研究区温泉的分布及出露主要受雅拉沟断裂和雅拉河谷控制。温泉水温33.2～46℃,为中低温温泉,pH为6～6.5。水样的氢氧稳定同位素特征表明研究区地下热水的补给来源为大气降水。利用氢氧稳定同位素高程效应及温度效应估算区内地下热水补给区高程为3 000～4 500 m,补给区温度为-3.5～-0.3℃,表明地下热水有一部分补给源自附近山区的冰雪融水。Na-K-Mg三角图显示研究区热水均为未成熟水,不宜用阳离子地热温标计算热储温度。应用SiO2地热温标、多矿物饱和指数法以及用固定铝方法对部分温泉多矿物平衡图进行修正,得出研究区地下热水的热储温度为65～75℃。研究区温泉在东部跑马山以及西部农戈山附近接受大气降水补给,降水沿着大雪山—农戈山断裂和跑马山断裂下渗,地下水经历深循环,在此过程中获得大地热流加热,最终在雅拉河谷雅拉沟断裂附近出... 相似文献
5.
位于云南省云龙县的羊吃蜜温泉自巨厚灰岩溶隙向外流出。温泉区沿河谷分布有第四系砂卵石,下伏地层为二叠系—三叠系碳酸盐岩。泉水共有泉眼3个,水温为356~359 ℃,流量约025 m3/s,pH值63~65,总溶解性固体(TDS)为0982~1116 g/L,F-含量为086~192 mg/L,偏硅酸为24~242 mg/L。泉水中的主要阳离子为Na+、K+、Ca2+和Mg2+,主要阴离子为SO42-、HCO3-和Cl-,水化学类型为HCO3·SO4 Ca型。氢、氧稳定同位素显示,温泉热水来源于大气降水;估算的热水补给高程为2 500 m左右;地下热储温度为60~70 ℃;地下热水循环深度约为1 255 m。羊吃蜜温泉地处云南兰坪盆地红色含盐地层中突起的石灰岩分布区,地下水在补给区获得大气降水入渗补给后沿巨厚灰岩含水层经历深循环获得大地热流加热后上涌在河谷流出地面,是侵蚀岩溶低温温泉。 相似文献
6.
Xiaocui Wang Xun Zhou Yuhui Zheng Chao Song Mi Long Ting Chen Zhenhua Ren Miaolin Yang Xiaolu Li Juan Guo 《Environmental Earth Sciences》2017,76(14):487
The Lanping–Simao basin characterized by the occurrence of hydrothermal activities in the northern part of the basin is the largest depression basin in western Yunnan Province. Hot springs outcrop in the semi-drought red layers (TDS, 0.644–8.17 g/L). Mixing with shallow cold water in the flow system is the dominant hydrogeological process leading to the decrease in thermal water temperature and complex hydrochemical compositions with water types ranging from HCO3–Ca·Mg to Cl–Na type. According to the silicon concentration and enthalpy evaluation, the geothermal reservoir temperatures are estimated between 118 and 204 °C, and the mixing ratio between cold and thermal groundwater is 0.76 on the average. The high concentrations of Na and Cl indicate that there is some well-mineralized cold water in the flow system circulating to the upward migration path accompanied with intense water–rock reactions in the fault developed basin. Ca and SO4 originate from progressively longer flow path owing to the poor solubility of gypsum, anhydrite and Ca–montmorillonite. Hierarchical clustering and multivariate statistical methods recognized three hot springs groups and four parameters groups which classified the reservoir environment into two situations, one is in the high-pressure environment with intense degassing, and the other is in the lower pressure with weak minerals migration. 相似文献
7.
温泉的水化学和成因研究对地热资源的开发利用有重要意义。四川巴塘县茶洛温泉的分布受茶洛—松多断层带的控制,沿北东—南西向的河流两岸出露,附近出露三叠系灰岩、砾岩和燕山期花岗岩。在温泉区出露有近20个泉眼,对其中10个泉眼进行采样测试。受出露点冷水混入的影响,东北部的两个泉眼温度为45~51 ℃,中西部地区的泉眼温度为77~89 ℃,部分为沸泉泉眼;各泉眼流量为0.01~1.8 L/s;pH值为6.1~8.1,矿化度为0.39~1.06 g/L,F-含量为15~22 mg/L,偏硅酸含量为69~356 mg/L。泉水主要阳离子为Na+、K+和Ca2+,主要阴离子为 、 、Cl-和 ,水化学类型为HCO3-Na型。氢氧同位素数据表明,研究区地下热水来源于大气降水,补给高程约为4 400~4 800 m,补给区年均气温在-10 ℃左右。利用SiO2温标估算茶洛温泉热储层温度约为150~200 ℃,热水循环深度约为2 810~3 480 m。茶洛温泉为大气降水入渗后在地下深循环过程中被大地热流加热,再沿断层带在河谷涌出地表而形成的温泉。在河流西北岸分布有灰岩,地下水溶蚀形成空洞,来自浅处的冷水和来自深部的热水在空洞中混合并被加热至沸点,导致热水间歇性上升喷出地面,形成间歇喷泉。 相似文献
8.
Water samples from precipitation, glacier melt, snow melt, glacial lake, streams and karst springs were collected across SE
of Kashmir Valley, to understand the hydrogeochemical processes governing the evolution of the water in a natural and non-industrial
area of western Himalayas. The time series data on solute chemistry suggest that the hydrochemical processes controlling the
chemistry of spring waters is more complex than the surface water. This is attributed to more time available for infiltrating
water to interact with the diverse host lithology. Total dissolved solids (TDS), in general, increases with decrease in altitude.
However, high TDS of some streams at higher altitudes and low TDS of some springs at lower altitudes indicated contribution
of high TDS waters from glacial lakes and low TDS waters from streams, respectively. The results show that some karst springs
are recharged by surface water; Achabalnag by the Bringi stream and Andernag and Martandnag by the Liddar stream. Calcite
dissolution, dedolomitization and silicate weathering were found to be the main processes controlling the chemistry of the
spring waters and calcite dissolution as the dominant process in controlling the chemistry of the surface waters. The spring
waters were undersaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite in most of the seasons except in November, which is attributed
to the replenishment of the CO2 by recharging waters during most of the seasons. 相似文献
9.
To reveal the geochemical characters of water coproduced with coalbed gas and shallow groundwater,water samples were collected from 12 wells of coalbed methane and 7 wells of shallow groundwater.The pH,CODMn,fCO2,total dissolved solids （TDS）,total hardness,and concentrations of metasilicic acid,sodium and kalium,calcium ion,magnesium ion,ammonium iron,bicarbonate ion,carbonate,chloride,sulfate ion,nitrate ion,fluoride,lithium,zinc,nickel,manganese,iron,boron,barium,etc.of the samples were measured.Research results showed the following：（1） Concentrations of TDS,chloride,fluoride,sodium and kalium,ammonium,iron,and barium in the water coproduced with coalbed gas exceeded the national standards of China; however,physical,chemical,and biological properties of shallow groundwater could meet the national standard.（2） The water produced from coalbed contained mainly Na-Cl·HCO3,with average TDS of 4588.5 ppm,whereas shallow groundwater contained a mixture of chemicals including Na.Mg.Ca-HCO3·SO4 and Na.Mg-HCO3·SO4,with average TDS of 663.8 ppm.（3） In general,it was observed that bicarbonate and sodium accumulated in a reducing environment and deeper system,while depletion of hydrogen ions and dissolution of sulfate,calcium,and magnesium occurred in a redox environment and shallow system.（4） Sodium and kalium,ammonium,chloride,and bicarbonate ions were the main ions found in the study area. 相似文献
10.
广西北海市地下水系统水化学特征的分析 总被引：5，自引：2，他引：3
对广西北海市近20年的地下水水质监测资料和2002-2003年野外实地取样的测试资料进行分析,并采用Piper图和Q型群分析进行水化学分类,结果表明该地区北部地下水以Ca·Na-HCO3型为主,水化学特征显示地下水化学成分受降雨入渗和溶滤的影响,而南部地下水以Na-Cl或Na·Ca-Cl型为主。北海市天然条件下地下水的矿化度低,pH值低,呈偏酸性。低矿化度的雨水、可溶盐含量极低的含水介质、迅速的水循环以及长期的淋滤作用,导致了北海地区地下水低矿化度的特点。 相似文献
11.
研究天然盐泉的形成有助于揭示陆地水文循环过程中的物质迁移。采用水文地球化学的方法,分析四川省盐源县的9个泉水和卤水水样的水化学特征和同位素特征,探讨盐泉的溶质来源,总结盐泉的成因模式。水样可以分为TDS为311.69 g/L的Cl-Na型卤水、TDS为55.77~89.43 g/L的Cl-Na型盐泉、TDS为1.17 g/L的Cl-Na型微咸泉和TDS为0.26~0.56 g/L的以HCO3-Ca、HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg型为主的淡水泉。泉水和卤水的氢氧同位素显示其来源于大气降水;水样的特征系数显示盐泉和卤水都属于溶滤型,且指示研究区基本不具有找钾前景。泉水的盐分主要来源于石盐、方解石、石膏和白云石等矿物的溶滤。盐泉的形成模式可以概括为:在山区获得大气降水入渗补给后,地下水经历较浅和较深的地下径流并且溶滤含盐地层或者盐矿,使其矿化度升高,在地形较低处汇集出露地表成泉。 相似文献
12.
重庆温泉研究进展 总被引：2，自引：0，他引：2
文章通过综述当前重庆温泉研究的相关文献,总结了前人在重庆温泉形成的地质背景、分布状况、类型、水化学特征及形成机制等方面的研究现状,并分析了重庆温泉研究和开发利用中存在的问题。重庆温泉中人工揭露较自然出露多,温度以中低温为主,泉口流量集中于10~50 L/s,色度、浊度小,水化学类型受围岩性质影响,以SO4-Ca型为主。其形成过程为:大气降水在大巴山脉及川东褶皱带背斜顶端碳酸盐岩出露区域渗入地下深部,被地温加热后沿褶皱带背斜轴部向南移动,在河谷深切处或断裂构造处出露形成温泉。重庆温泉的开发利用存在环境污染、资源利用不合理、开发不力等问题,认为应当加强温泉形成机理、温泉资源评价与保护、温泉水系统数值模拟、温泉废水处理等方面的研究,以确保温泉水资源的可持续利用。 相似文献
13.
A hydrochemical study of the Hammam Righa geothermal waters in north-central Algeria 总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1
Mohamed Belhai Yasuhiro Fujimitsu Fatima Zohra Bouchareb-Haouchine Abdelhamid Haouchine Jun Nishijima 《中国地球化学学报》2016,35(3):271-287
This study focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics of 47 water samples collected from thermal and cold springs that emerge from the Hammam Righa geothermal field, located in north-central Algeria. The aquifer that feeds these springs is mainly situated in the deeply fractured Jurassic limestone and dolomite of the Zaccar Mount. Measured discharge temperatures of the cold waters range from 16.0 to 26.5 °C and the hot waters from 32.1 to 68.2 °C. All waters exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.0–7.6. The thermal waters had a high total dissolved solids (TDS) content of up to 2527 mg/l, while the TDS for cold waters was 659.0–852.0 mg/l. Chemical analyses suggest that two main types of water exist: hot waters in the upflow area of the Ca–Na–SO4 type (Hammam Righa) and cold waters in the recharge zone of the Ca–Na–HCO3 type (Zaccar Mount). Reservoir temperatures were estimated using silica geothermometers and fluid/mineral equilibria at 78, 92, and 95 °C for HR4, HR2, and HR1, respectively. Stable isotopic analyses of the δ18O and δD composition of the waters suggest that the thermal waters of Hammam Righa are of meteoric origin. We conclude that meteoric recharge infiltrates through the fractured dolomitic limestones of the Zaccar Mount and is conductively heated at a depth of 2.1–2.2 km. The hot waters then interact at depth with Triassic evaporites located in the hydrothermal conduit (fault), giving rise to the Ca–Na–SO4 water type. As they ascend to the surface, the thermal waters mix with shallower Mg-rich groundwater, resulting in waters that plot in the immature water field in the Na–K–Mg diagram. The mixing trend between cold groundwaters from the recharge zone area (Zaccar Mount) and hot waters in the upflow area (Hammam Righa) is apparent via a chloride-enthalpy diagram that shows a mixing ratio of 22.6 < R < 29.2 %. We summarize these results with a geothermal conceptual model of the Hammam Righa geothermal field. 相似文献
14.
Use of hydrochemical parameters for the identification of fresh groundwater resources,Potharlanka Island,India 总被引：2，自引：0，他引：2
A hydrochemical study has been carried out on the fresh groundwater resources of Potharlanka, Krishna Delta, India. Groundwater samples were collected at 58 sites and analyzed in June and December 2001. The groundwater is mildly alkaline with a pH of 7.2–8.2, electrical conductivity (EC) varies from 645–4,700 µS/cm in June 2001 (pre-monsoon) and from 605–5,770 µS/cm in December 2001 (post-monsoon). More than 75% of the samples have >1000 mg/l TDS which is higher than the maximum permissible limit for potable water. Na and Cl are the dominating cations and these are directly proportional to TDS. Extremely low HCO 3/Cl and variable high Mg/Ca (molar ratios) indicated the transformation of the fresh groundwater aquifer systems to saline. Groundwater of this island is classified as Na–Cl, Na–Ca–Cl–HCO 3, Na–Mg–Cl–SO 4 and mixed types. A high percentage of mixed water types indicates the possibility of simultaneous fresh groundwater dilution activity along with a seawater ingression/intrusion process. Low rainfall and excessive withdrawal of groundwater has caused the increase of saline water intrusion. 相似文献
15.
金沙江河谷巧家段地下水化学特征 总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1
金沙江河谷巧家段地形切割强烈,最大相对高差可达2 719 m,水文地质条件差异大,河谷区内泉水出露众多。对河谷区内38组泉水水化学组分进行分析的结果表明:地下水化学类型较简单,主要为HCO3- Ca、HCO3- Ca?Mg、HCO3- Mg?Ca型;地下水溶解性总固体(TDS)浓度变化较大,总体上TDS浓度自河谷斜坡补给-径流区至谷底排泄区,具有逐步增高的趋势;孔隙水TDS浓度明显高于岩溶水;地下水宏量组分HCO3-、Ca2+、Mg2+、SO42-与TDS具有正相关关系。据水化学组分变化分析谷底第四系地层中出露大泉的形成条件,其为孔隙水与岩溶水相混合形成。 相似文献
16.
腾冲新生代火山区温泉CO2气体排放通量研究 总被引：6，自引：6，他引：0
近期研究表明,不仅火山喷发期会向当时的大气圈输送大量的温室气体,火山间歇期同样会释放大量的温室气体。在火山活动间歇期,火山区主要以喷气孔、温(热)泉以及土壤微渗漏等形式向大气圈释放温室气体。腾冲是我国重要的新生代火山区,同时也是重要的水热活动区,那里出露大量的温泉,然而目前未见腾冲火山区温泉气体排放通量的研究报道。本文利用数字皂膜通量仪测量了腾冲新生代火山区温泉中CO2的排放通量。研究结果表明,腾冲新生代火山区温泉向当今大气圈输送的CO2通量达3.58×103 t·a-1,相当于意大利锡耶纳Bassoleto地热区温泉中CO2的排放规模。腾冲火山区温泉的CO2释放通量主要受深部岩浆囊、断裂分布、地下水循环、围岩成分等多方面因素的影响。本文根据温泉中CO2的排放特征,将腾冲温泉分为南北两区,南区温泉CO2通量远高于北区的温泉,热海地热区的通量为腾冲CO2通量的最大值。在北温泉区,CO2通量主要受控于断裂的分布;而在南温泉区,除受到断裂控制外,热海地热区底部的岩浆囊及其与围岩的相互作用成为CO2气体的重要物质来源,同时高温的岩浆囊为温泉及CO2的形成提供了重要热源。 相似文献
17.
为了对深变质岩区地热流体的成因和演化进行深入研究,在滇西陇川盆地开展了地质、放射性测量、磁法测量、水文地质和水文地球化学等调查工作,深入分析了盆地内尺巴处温泉的水文地球化学及同位素特征。结果表明：温泉水化学类型为HCO3·SO4·CO3-Na型,温泉中Li+质量浓度为0.220 mg/L,达到了锂矿泉水的命名标准,F-质量浓度为8.29 mg/L,可称为氟水,具医疗价值;温泉热水中冷水混入比例为0.72,热水补给高程为1 166.83 m,补给区温度为9.96℃,热储温度为191.71℃,循环深度为2 082.29 m,温泉天然放热量为9.49×1012 J/a;温泉水来源于大气降水,为深循环上升泉;地下水水化学组分的成因类型为岩石风化型,其主要组分来源于水岩相互作用;热源主要为深部未冷却的岩浆传导热及活动断裂产生的构造热,其次有少部分岩体中放射性同位素产生的放射热;深变质岩区温泉水中的pH值,SO42-、Cl-、Na+、SiO2质量浓度及总碱度高于冷水泉,Ca2+、Mg2+质量浓度低于冷水泉。 相似文献
18.
Geothermal water is plentiful in Changbai Mountain region, northeastern China, due to the volcanic activities and widespread faults. For the exploration of geothermal resources, this study uses quartz and cation geothermometer to estimate the temperatures of the geothermal reservoir and uses the tubular models to evaluate the thermal gradient. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the geothermal resources were also evaluated by hydrogeochemical analysis. The results showed that the geothermal reservoir temperatures of the four major thermal springs in Changbai Mountain region range from 72 to 169 °C. The average geothermal reservoir temperatures of Jinjiang hot springs, Changbai hot springs I, Xianrenqiao hot springs, and Changbai hot springs II are 129.25, 169, 89, and 73.67 °C, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of the four major thermal springs have different characteristics. The geothermal gradient values of Jinjiang hot springs and Changbai hot springs I are 4.6 and 3.1 °C/100 m, respectively. The geothermal gradient values of Xianrenqiao thermal springs and Changbai thermal springs II are both lower than 1.5 °C/100 m, with the values of 1.1 and 1.4 °C/100 m. And the geothermal gradients are influenced by Changbai Mountain Tianchi volcano. In addition, the water chemical analyses showed that the geothermal water types are HCO3-Na with higher concentrations of Na+, Cl?, SO4 2?, TDS, and HCO3 ? than the non-thermal waters, which suggested a deep and long water cycle of the thermal water, and therefore a sufficient water-rock interaction. 相似文献
19.
长白山火山区温泉温室气体排放通量研究 总被引：4，自引：3，他引：1
温泉是深部岩浆活动在地表的直接表现,并且向大气圈排放大量的温室气体.然而,国内尚无火山区温泉排放的温室气体通量研究报道.我国长白山火山区水热活动强烈,主要有湖滨温泉带、聚龙温泉群、锦江温泉以及火山口外围的十八道沟温泉.本文利用数字皂膜流量计测量温泉气体排放通量,并结合前人对长白山火山区温泉气体成分的研究成果,估算了研究区温泉所排放的温室气体通量.结果表明,长白山火山区温泉排放的CO2通量为6.9×104t·a-1,CH4排放通量为428.44t·a-1,与意大利Pantelleria Island火山区温泉排放的温室气体通量规模相当.本文的测试结果表明:数字皂膜流量计在火山区温室气体排放通量估算研究中的应用是可行的. 相似文献
20.
ROBIN W. RENAUT R. BERNHART OWEN BRIAN JONES JEAN‐JACQUES TIERCELIN CORINNE TARITS JOHN K. EGO KURT O. KONHAUSER 《Sedimentology》2013,60(2):428-468
Travertine is present at 20% of the ca 60 hot springs that discharge on Loburu delta plain on the western margin of saline, alkaline Lake Bogoria in the Kenya Rift. Much of the travertine, which forms mounds, low terraces and pool‐rim dams, is sub‐fossil (relict) and undergoing erosion, but calcite‐encrusted artefacts show that carbonate is actively precipitating at several springs. Most of the springs discharge alkaline (pH: 8·3 to 8·9), Na‐HCO3 waters containing little Ca (<2 mg l?1) at temperatures of 94 to 97·5°C. These travertines are unusual because most probably precipitated at temperatures of >80°C. The travertines are composed mainly of dendritic and platy calcite, with minor Mg‐silicates, aragonite, fluorite and opaline silica. Calcite precipitation is attributed mainly to rapid CO2 degassing, which led to high‐disequilibrium crystal morphologies. Stratigraphic evidence shows that the travertine formed during several stages separated by intervals of non‐deposition. Radiometric ages imply that the main phase of travertine formation occurred during the late Pleistocene (ca 32 to 35 ka). Periods of precipitation were influenced strongly by fluctuations in lake level, mostly under climate control, and by related changes in the depth of boiling. During relatively arid phases, meteoric recharge of ground water declines, the lake is low and becomes hypersaline, and the reduced hydrostatic pressure lowers the level of boiling in the plumbing system of the hot springs. Any carbonate precipitation then occurs below the land surface. During humid phases, the dilute meteoric recharge increases, enhancing geothermal circulation, but the rising lake waters, which become relatively dilute, flood most spring vents. Much of the aqueous Ca2+ then precipitates as lacustrine stromatolites on shallow firm substrates, including submerged older travertines. Optimal conditions for subaerial travertine precipitation at Loburu occur when the lake is at intermediate levels, and may be favoured during transitions from humid to drier conditions. 相似文献