Analyses of Ground Temperatures and Geothermal Gases in the Laurel Dormitory Area at Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
Heasler H and Jaworowski C. 2011. Analyses of Ground Temperatures and Geothermal Gases in the Laurel Dormitory Area at Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
A hydrothermal area is a spatially contiguous area that usually includes one or more thermal features. The surficial boundary of a hydrothermal area marks the maximum spatial extent of hydrothermally altered ground, thermal deposits, geothermal gas emissions, or heated ground. The Laurel Dormitory at Old Faithful is located within an active hydrothermal area. Significantly elevated subsurface temperatures were found throughout the study area. Maximum temperatures were 110.0 oF (43.9 oC) at 10-inches (25 cm) depth, 123.1 oF (50.6 oC) at 20-inches (51 cm) depth, and 134.1 oF (56.7 oC) at 30-inches (76 cm) depth. Maximum subsurface carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded OSHA values: 19.6 % at 10-inches (25 cm) depth, 42.2% at 20-inches (51 cm) depth, and 17.4% at 30-inches (76 cm) depth. Hydrogen sulfide was detected at three locations, varying between 24.1 to 70 ppm. A significant portion of the area contains hydrothermally altered clays. Hot spring deposits were encountered at 10-and 20-inch (25 to 51 cm) depths at a variety of locations. Significantly elevated ground temperatures, the presence of geothermal gases, hydrothermally altered ground and hot spring deposits indicate an active hydrothermal area surrounding and beneath Laurel Dormitory.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Heasler, Henry; Jaworowski, Cheryl
- Date of Issue
- 2011-02-27
- Units
- YELL
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Subsurface Geologic Processes | Geothermal Features and Processes