Geothermal potential of the Nazko area, central British Columbia

Vancouver, BC - December 17, 2015 - Hot springs or not? That was the question the Nazko First Nation posed as they looked to power their future without diesel generators. Researchers Ray Lett and Wayne Jackaman answered them by studying a wetland area 10km from the community where unusual minerals and gas seepages were identified in 2012.

The two wetlands they studied, near the Nazko volcanic area, west of Quesnel in central British Columbia, are informally named the North and South bogs. Both have deposits of travertine, a white calcium carbonate mineral known to form at hot springs, and carbon dioxide-rich gas seepages, known indicators of geothermal activity.

In a two-year study, supported by Geoscience BC as part of the major TREK (Targeting Resources for Exploration and Knowledge) program, the pair collected samples of soil, water, travertine, bedrock, vegetation and carbon dioxide-rich seepage gas from the Nazko bogs and surrounding area and tested their geochemistry, searching for geothermal indicator elements.

Although the geothermal signs at the surface are subtle, and there are no visible hot springs today, the chemistry of the soil, water and rock samples suggest that the current heat source is very deep. The temperature of the water that formed the minerals seen at the surface today were probably warmer in the past and perhaps mixed with cooler groundwater on their way up to the surface.

For local communities interested in developing geothermal resources in the area, the researchers suggest that further studies, such as exploratory drilling, geophysical surveying and more geochemical testing be carried out.

Download Geoscience BC Report 2015-16: Tracing the Source of Anomalous Geochemical Patterns in Soil, Water and Seepage Gas near the Nazko Volcanic Cone, BC or click below to explore the project in Earth Science Viewer.

 


For more information, please contact Kylie Williams, Communications Manager at Geoscience BC, on 604.662.4147

Geoscience BC is a trusted partner providing earth science to encourage investment that benefits all British Columbians. www.geosciencebc.com
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