Chemical composition and formation conditions of thermal spring “Teply Klyuch”, Primorskiy krai (Russia)

Abstract

The paper presents the results of half-century geochemical parameters monitoring of thermal spring, called Teply Klyuch, occurring outside volcanic activity territory of the Russian Far East. The case of unique tectonic and geological conditions leading to formation of such deposits is being discussed as well. The waters of the deposit are characterized as warm, ultra-fresh, alkaline, and siliceous. It is controlled by the active part of the fault, which runs along the bed of the Amgu River and its watercourses, in the zone of intersection by a shallower fault. Formation of thermal waters probably took place in open fractures of deep faults, where atmospheric waters by downward flow penetrated to a depth of about 1.0–1.5 km and under the influence of heat of locally heated in the fault zone rocks acquired the temperature of +30 +40°C. The movement of heated water to the surface is caused by the thermolift. Discharge area goes along the opened cracks in the weakened zones located in the river valleys. In practical terms, the waters of the investigated deposit are applicable for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, externally, in the form of baths for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, skin diseases, consequences of burns.