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Magnesium correction to the Na K Ca chemical geothermometer

January 1, 1979

Equations and graphs have been devised to correct for the adverse effects of magnesium upon the Na-K-Ca chemical geothermometer. Either the equations or graphs can be used to determine appropriate temperature corrections for given waters with calculated Na-K-Ca temperatures > 70°C and R < 50, where R = {Mg(Mg + Ca + K)} × 100">R = {Mg(Mg + Ca + K)} × 100 with cation concentrations expressed in equivalents. Waters with R > 50 are probably derived from relatively cool aquifers with temperatures approximately equal to the measured spring temperature, irrespective of much higher calculated Na-K-Ca temperatures.

Publication Year 1979
Title Magnesium correction to the Na K Ca chemical geothermometer
DOI 10.1016/0016-7037(79)90147-9
Authors R.O. Fournier, R.W. Potter
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Index ID 70012637
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse