Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Geochemistry And Origins Of Thermal Springs Waters Of The Olympic Peninsula And Cascade Range, Washington, Jon Kenneth K. Golla

Summer Research

The state of Washington contains 98 low temperature (surface temperatures between ~ 20 - 50 ^oC) geothermal springs, which are powered by the convective circulation of groundwater that is heated by the natural heat of the Earth. These systems operate in a cycle that begins when precipitation percolates downward into the subsurface and comes in contact with a heat source. Subsequently the heated water returns to the surface, in most cases, having interacted chemically with rocks in the reservoir and/or along its ascent path. Surveys done by the USGS between the 1970s – early 1990s show there is significant …