Using Geochemistry and Geomorphology to Understand the Evolution of a Hot Spring System

The Greater Obsidian Pool Area just south of the Mud Volcano area in Yellowstone National Park is an active and ever-changing hot spring region. Situated next to a lake in a meadow between several hills of glacial deposits, north of the Elephant Back rhyolite flow, a diverse group of hot springs has been developing. This study examines the geologic and geomorphic context of the hot springs, finding evidence for a previously undiscovered hydrothermal explosion crater and examining the deposits around the region that contribute to properties of the groundwater table. Hot spring geochemical measurements (Cl- and SO4-2) taken over the course of 20 years are used to determine fluid sourcing of the springs. The distribution of Cl-, an indicator of water-rock interaction, in the hot springs leads to the theory of a fissure delivering hydrothermal fluid in a line across the hot spring zone, with meteoric water from incoming groundwater diluting hot springs moving further from the fissure. A possible second dry fissure delivering mostly gas is also a possible explanation for some elevated sulfate concentrations in certain springs. The combination of geology, geomorphology, and geochemistry reveals how the surface and subsurface operate to generate different hot spring compositions.