| Abstract: | Hydrothermal systems in regions of high relief may not have obvious thermal features indicative of their central upflow zone at depth. Investigation of such areas for geothermal energy production in the Philippines has, however, encountered relatively large ( > 10,000 m2) areas of volumetrically significant but diffuse, cold-gas emission and associated intense argillic alteration. These features are likely to be best developed above, or close to, hydrothermal upflow zones. The identification of such features is important for interpreting the hydrology of active geothermal systems in the course of exploration for power development, or when interpreting the paleohydrology of fossil geothermal systems which host epithermal mineral deposits. Such zones of argillic alteration are likely to be barren of precious metals or other elements (except mercury) which are commonly used as pathfinders for precious-metal deposits, but are indicative of subsurface processes significant in ore genesis.It is proposed that the term “kaipohan” be used for such features. Their existence depends on the presence of either a low-permeability geologic formation or where a suitable relationship exists between the hydrology of the deep geothermal reservoir and that of the shallow groundwater system. Such a situation occurs in steep terrain, where much of the area supplying meteoric recharge to the geothermal system is at a lower elevation than the area overlying the centre of the system, and where there is a high annual rainfall. These conditions are typical of andesitic stratovolcanoes in tropical or subtropical island arcs. |
