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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

Volume: 54 (1970)

Issue: 4. (April)

First Page: 617

Last Page: 626

Title: Role of Gravity, Temperature Gradients, and Ion-Exchange Media in Formation of Fossil Brines

Author(s): P. C. Mangelsdorf, Jr. (2), F. T. Manheim (3), J. M. T. M. Gieskes (4)

Abstract:

Calculations show that gravitational settling of ions in an isothermal sediment column could produce increases of equilibrium concentrations in pore waters ranging from 1 percent per 100 m depth for chloride to 4 percent per 100 m depth for strontium.

The migration of ions in a thermal gradient (Soret effect) would cause minor salt enrichment upward toward the colder pole, but the presence of cation-exchanging particles such as clays would reverse this tendency and cause pumping of salt downward. A model calculation using literature data for the thermal potentials suggests that about 5-percent enrichment in Cl per 100 m depth may occur under steady-state conditions.

These mechanisms do not explain the greater enrichments commonly found in subsurface brines, but may modify salt distributions due to other phenomena.

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