@proceedings {271, title = {Arsenic in central Massachusetts bedrock and groundwater}, volume = {42}, year = {2010}, note = {Accession Number: 2011-044094; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2010 annual meeting; Denver, CO, United States; Conference Date: 20101031; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 2; Collation: 216-217; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201125; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2010 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2010/11/01/}, pages = {216 - 217}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Across the New England "arsenic belt," groundwater arsenic (As) concentrations often exceed the EPA{\textquoteright}s 0.01-mg/L drinking water standard. In overburden groundwater at a site within this belt in north-central Massachusetts, As has been reported at levels up to 7.6 mg/L. Bedrock at the site consists of Silurian Central Maine Terrane metasediments intruded by the Devonian Ayer granodiorite and Chelmsford granite. Exchange of hydrothermal fluids between these lithologies during intrusion and later deformation, faulting, and metamorphism resulted in crystallization of arsenic-bearing minerals, including arsenopyrite. Quaternary deglaciation and unloading dilated joint systems in the bedrock, allowing increased exposure of the mineralogy to meteoric water. Several arsenopyrite alteration products (e.g., scorodite), of varying solubilities, precipitated on fracture surfaces and along grain boundaries between major phases. In the emerging conceptual model for this site, groundwater is recharged in bedrock uplands and moves downgradient through the fracture network, becoming increasingly reducing as it moves along a flow path. Arsenic dissolved from arsenopyrite and arsenic-bearing alteration phases in bedrock remains in solution until the groundwater discharges to lowland areas hydraulically downgradient. In these adjacent lowlands, glacial sand and gravel overburden lies above the bedrock. When the reducing water reaches more oxidizing conditions, As-sorbing hydrous ferric oxides (HFO) precipitate out on the aquifer solids, resulting in accumulation of As in the deep overburden aquifer. A large landfill at this site, now closed and capped, imposed reducing conditions, and As is mobilized into groundwater by reductive dissolution of the HFO. The presence of elevated As in groundwater is consistent with arsenic-bearing phases generated in granitoids at depth during regional metamorphism, which were subsequently altered, and are being solubilized at present by the circulation of shallow groundwater through varying redox environments. This scenario is supported by geochemical and petrographic studies of the granitoids and the occurrence of the highest groundwater and soil arsenic concentrations in the adjacent deep overburden.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, alteration, arsenic, arsenides, arsenopyrite, Ayer Granodiorite, BEDROCK, central Massachusetts, chelmsford granite, Devonian, dilation, discharge, dissolved materials, drinking water, Eh, fractures, General geochemistry 02A, geochemistry, granites, ground water, igneous rocks, joints, massachusetts, metals, metamorphism, meteoric water, overburden, Paleozoic, petrography, plutonic rocks, pollutants, reduction, solubility, solution, sulfides, theoretical models, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010AM/finalprogram/abstract_182430.htm}, author = {McTigue, David F. and Stein, Carol L. and Brandon, William C. and Joseph P Kopera and Keskula, Anna J. and Koteas, G. Christopher} } @proceedings {280, title = {Deep geothermal potential of New England granitoids; the Fall River Pluton, southeastern Massachusetts}, volume = {43}, year = {2011}, note = {Accession Number: 2012-031359; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 46th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, North-Central Section, 45th annual meeting; Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Conference Date: 20110320; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 63; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201217; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 46th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, North-Central Section, 45th annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2011/03/01/}, pages = {63 - 63}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Devonian-aged plutonic rocks that are interpreted to be part of the Fall River pluton, along the southern edge of the Narragansett Basin, appear to have potential as a source of deep geothermal energy. The Narragansett Basin covers a approximately 1500 Km (super 2) area in southern Massachusetts and is dominated by complexly deformed and metamorphosed, Pennsylvanian-aged, fluvial and alluvial deposits. A northeast-striking series of brittle faults and discrete shear zones define the southern margin of the basin. Preliminary modeling of igneous and gneissic fabrics from outcrops along the southern edge of the basin show that the granite dips predominantly north, northeast. This pattern suggests that granitoids along the southern edge of the basin continue beneath the Narragansett Basin and correlate with granitoids exposed to the north. Regional joint sets in the Fall River pluton can be grouped into three dominant clusters at 350 degrees , 90 degrees , and 250 degrees based upon 86 field measurements. Low-angle sheeting joints are also common and suggest interconnected fracture networks at depth. Preliminary geochemistry from the Fall River pluton suggests that feldspars and accessory minerals contain the appropriate concentrations of heat producing elements, primarily U, Th, and K, to be a reasonable geothermal resource. K (sub 2) O values range from 2.4 to 5.0 weight percent. U and Th values (in ppm) range from 0.9 to 6.2 and 2.9 to 30.1 respectively. Assuming a relatively consistent composition at depth, a density of 2.6 kg/m (super 3) , and a thermal conductivity of 2.9 W/m degrees C, initial temperature modeling suggests average temperatures of 81 degrees C at depths of 5 kilometers and 93 degrees C at depths of 6 kilometers. Temperature estimates increase to approximately 150 degrees C and approximately 170 degrees C respectively when a two kilometer thick sediment package is modeled overlying the granitoids. The goal of current and future work is to improve assumptions about compositional uniformity as well as the regional position of granitoids at depth. At the conclusion of this work we hope to develop a protocol for studying geothermal potential of buried granitoids in New England in the absence of reliable drill-hole data. Preliminary estimates from this project suggest that basins underlain by granitoids of compositions similar to that of the Fall River pluton have reasonable potential as a deep geothermal resource.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, depth, Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, Fall River Pluton, geochemistry, geothermal energy, gneisses, granites, Igneous and metamorphic petrology 05A, igneous rocks, intrusions, massachusetts, metamorphic rocks, plutonic rocks, plutons, southeastern Massachusetts, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011NE/finalprogram/abstract_185900.htm}, author = {Goodhue, Nathaniel and Koteas, G. Christopher and John Michael Rhodes and Stephen B Mabee} } @proceedings {284, title = {Evidence for arsenic-mineralization in granitic basement rocks, Ayer Granodiorite, northeastern Massachusetts}, volume = {42}, year = {2010}, note = {Accession Number: 2010-100047; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 45th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 59th annual meeting; Baltimore, MD, United States; Conference Date: 20100314; Language: English; Coordinates: N420800N424400W0710200W0715300; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 160; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201052; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, Northeastern Section, 45th annual meeting; Geological Society of America, Southeastern Section, 59th annual meeting; joint meeting, abstracts volume; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2010/03/01/}, pages = {160 - 160}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Core samples of the Ayer Granodiorite along the eastern margin of the Merrimack Belt in northeastern Massachusetts host a series of sulfide and oxide phases that resulted from interaction with sulfide-bearing meta-sedimentary host rocks. Euhedral arsenopyrite grains are found with ilmenite, apatite, and REE phosphates in zones that generally mimic the intersection between a gneissic fabric and a relict magmatic foliation. Arsenopyrite crystals are typically elongate with this lineation. Euhedral to subhedral pyrite crystals have also been observed, but are localized to areas without As-bearing phases. Micro-fractures that parallel either a steep NW-striking joint set or gently-dipping sheeting joints are commonly filled with interwoven calcite cements and As-bearing Fe-oxides. Surface coatings of major fracture sets are also characterized by Fe-As-rich rinds that host micron-scale sub-angular particles of quartz, feldspars, and phyllosilicates. Where micro-fractures are most concentrated, sulfide-bearing minerals are less common; however, subhedral to anhedral arsenopyrite grains do occur along some open micro-fractures. These crystals preserve lobate grain boundaries and are associated with As-bearing Fe-oxide-rich coatings along adjacent fractures. The presence of 1) pyrite, 2) arsenopyrite associated with phosphates, and 3) As-bearing fracture coatings suggests multiple stages of mineralization. We propose that intrusion-related fluid-rock interaction associated with heating of nearby sulfide-bearing schists of the Berwick Formation during Acadian orogenesis may have provided the necessary constituents for growth of sulfide phases in the Ayer. It appears that Late Devonian greenschist facies metamorphism and metasomatism led to mineralization that generated arsenopyrite and accompanying phosphates; however, the role of the cross-cutting Clinton Newbury Fault Zone as a conduit for hydrothermal fluids may also be important. Lower temperature As-bearing Fe-oxide and calcite coatings on open fractures surfaces may be associated with a change from lithostatic- to hydrostatic-pressures during post-glacial regional uplift. This mineralization appears to be synchronous with intense microfracturing that post-dates all other mineralization.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, acadian, arsenic, arsenides, arsenopyrite, Ayer Granodiorite, Berwick formation, fractured materials, geochemistry, granodiorites, Igneous and metamorphic petrology 05A, igneous rocks, lower Paleozoic, massachusetts, Merrimack Synclinorium, metals, metamorphic rocks, metamorphism, metasedimentary rocks, metasomatism, Middlesex County Massachusetts, migration of elements, mineralization, Mineralogy of non-silicates 01C, northeastern Massachusetts, orogeny, Paleozoic, plutonic rocks, pollutants, pollution, pyrite, sulfides, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, url = {https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010NE/finalprogram/abstract_169998.htm}, author = {Koteas, G. Christopher and Keskula, Anna J. and Stein, Carol L. and McTigue, David F. and Joseph P Kopera and Brandon, William C.} } @proceedings {289, title = {Factors influencing groundwater inflows in a newly constructed cross-strike tunnel, eastern Massachusetts; 5, Geochemical interpretation of groundwater inflows}, volume = {31}, year = {1999}, note = {Accession Number: 2001-037342; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 1999 annual meeting; Denver, CO, United States; Conference Date: 19991025; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 348; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 200111; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 1999 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {1999/01/01/}, pages = {348 - 348}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {Samples of ground and surface waters in and above the tunnel (Curry et al., this volume) were collected to characterize the chemistry of groundwater discharging from fractures and faults. Forty-two water samples were collected: 32 along a transect of the tunnel and 10 from surface waters above the trace of the tunnel. All samples were analyzed for major anions and cations, and delta (super 18) O. Analysis of the anion/cation data indicated that these waters are dominated by sulfate+chloride and calcium+magnesium. However, five sub-classifications can be discerned based on the relative concentrations of ions in the samples. The five sub-classifications are Cl > HCO (sub 3) > SO (sub 4) > NO (sub 3) :Ca > Na+K > Mg (15 samples), Cl > HCO (sub 3) > SO (sub 4) > NO (sub 3) :Na+K > Ca > Mg (7 samples), Cl > HCO (sub 3) > SO (sub 4) > NO (sub 3) :Ca > Mg > Na+K (6 samples), Cl > SO (sub 4) > HCO (sub 3) > NO (sub 3) :Na+K > Ca > Mg (3 samples), and HCO (sub 3) > Cl > SO (sub 4) > NO (sub 3) :Ca > Na+K > Mg (2 samples). Results from statistical analyses indicate that alkalinity, calcium, sodium and potassium do vary as a function of bedrock type and that these differences are significant at the 95\% confidence level.In addition, preliminary oxygen isotope data indicate that two large, discrete water producing fault zones located in the eastern part of the tunnel are isotopically enriched (average delta (super 18) O = -7.75) relative to other water producing features in the tunnel (average delta (super 18) O = -8.96). The delta (super 18) O values obtained from all surface water bodies located above the tunnel average -7.56 whereas those values in surface ponds immediately above the fault zones average -6.71. Nitrate levels also show elevated levels in two water producing fault zones (>10 mg/L for some samples) and may result from accidental contamination during sampling, the use of explosives at discrete locations in the tunnel, or from leaking septic systems. The results of the oxygen isotope and nitrate analyses also suggest that some of the fault zones in the tunnel may have a rapid and direct hydraulic connection to the surface.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, anions, BEDROCK, cations, classification, discharge, eastern Massachusetts, fault zones, faults, geochemistry, ground water, hydraulic conductivity, hydrochemistry, Hydrogeology 21, Isotope geochemistry 02D, isotope ratios, isotopes, massachusetts, movement, New England, nitrate ion, O-18/O-16, oxygen, samples, stable isotopes, surface water, tunnels, United States}, isbn = {00167592}, author = {Weaver, Rebecca A. and Stephen B Mabee and Williams, Katherine W. and Curry, Patrick J.} } @proceedings {300, title = {Identifying and examining potential geothermal resources in non-traditional regions, examples from the northeastern U.S.}, volume = {43}, year = {2011}, note = {Accession Number: 2012-083486; Conference Name: Geological Society of America, 2011 annual meeting; Minneapolis, MN, United States; Conference Date: 20111009; Language: English; Coden: GAAPBC; Collation: 1; Collation: 40; Publication Types: Abstract Only; Serial; Conference document; Updated Code: 201244; Monograph Title: Geological Society of America, 2011 annual meeting; Monograph Author(s): Anonymous; Reviewed Item: Analytic}, month = {2011/10/01/}, pages = {40 - 40}, publisher = {Geological Society of America (GSA) : Boulder, CO, United States}, address = {United States}, abstract = {The search for geothermal resources is rapidly expanding into tectonic regions that have not been previously considered to be suitable for exploitation. Many of these regions, such as the northeastern U.S., have never been the site of extensive geophysical investigations and have few deep borehole temperature measurements. Nevertheless, large portions of the northeastern U.S. are underlain by granitic bedrock that may be a productive energy source by applying enhanced geothermal technologies. In the absence of traditional reconnaissance data, we utilize field studies and sampling together with geochemical analysis to develop models of geothermal resources that can be tested against data from deep boreholes. Heat production is calculated from the measured density of the samples, the concentrations of K, U, and Th from whole-rock geochemical analysis via X-ray fluorescence, and established radiogenic heat production values. Models for a particular area can then be generated by calculating depth-specific temperatures using heat production, measured thermal conductivity for each sample, and assumptions related to local stratigraphy and regional heat flow. Mapping and structural extrapolation are used to establish the subsurface characteristics at a study site and are combined with the thermal and chemical characteristics of contact rocks and overburden materials. Two examples of the application of this technique are the Fall River granite at the margin of the Narragansett Basin in southeastern Massachusetts and the Andover Granite in northeastern Massachusetts. Thermal models of the Fall River Pluton indicate average temperatures of 71 degrees C at depths of 4 km and 97 degrees C at 6 km. Average temperatures increase to 107 degrees C and 132 degrees C, respectively, when a 2 km thick sediment package is modeled overlying the granite. The Andover Granite, which is not associated with a sedimentary basin and is in a more structurally complex configuration, yields an average temperature of 74 degrees C at a depth of 4 km and 101 degrees C at 6 km. While this approach to modeling temperature-depth profiles requires some regional heat flow assumptions, the application of mapping and structural analysis with geochemistry and thermal conductivity studies can be an important reconnaissance tool for identifying non-traditional geothermal resources.}, keywords = {$\#$StaffPubs, Andover Granite, Eastern U.S., Economic geology, geology of energy sources 29A, exploitation, exploration, Fall River Granite, field studies, geochemistry, geothermal energy, identification, mapping, massachusetts, models, Northeastern U.S., overburden, resources, sampling, southeastern Massachusetts, spectra, structural analysis, technology, temperature, United States, whole rock, X-ray fluorescence spectra}, isbn = {00167592}, author = {Koteas, G. Christopher and John Michael Rhodes and Stephen B Mabee and Goodhue, Nathaniel and Adams, Sharon A.} }