Conceptual Isotope Hydrostratigraphic Models for North American Sedimentary Basins: Understanding Water Sources in Deep Subsurface Mines

摘要

Literature review indicates multiple North American sedimentary basins hosting deep subsurface mines contain three component fluids based on age (Modern, Pleistocene, pre-Pleistocene or "ancient"). Pleistocene cool climate recharge apparently occurs regardless of basin position relative to limits of Laurentide glaciation. Three component mixing models are proposed to monitor for potentially troublesome vertical migration of shallow subsurface fluids to leaks in deep mine shafts and workings. Component fluids in mixtures can be differentiated using stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen, in combination with tritium, major metals (Ca, Na, Mg, K), select anions (Cl, SO_4, Alkalinity, Br), and total dissolved solids.