THE TRAVERTINES OF COAL RIVER SPRINGS - P HYSICO-CHEMISTRY OF THE WATERS

The travertines of the Ecological Reserve of Coal River Springs (SE Yu kon) are developing along two creeks. This study examines the southern creek's original direction - a direction that has been reestablished by Park Yukon a few years ago. The study presents results of 384 physi co-chemical analysis made in the field between June the 18th and July the 10th, 1992. It also includes the results of 8 water samples analyz ed by spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results reveal that a temperature increa se is not responsible for the precipitation. But, rather, a degasing e ffect may be invoked. Corroborating evidence is found in the pH increa se. The ionic saturation with respect to calcite is reached at the sou rce basin and increases along the creek. The ionic saturation maxima w ith respect to calcite, aragonite, and dolomite are located on the pri ncipal site of dams and basins. Downstream dams were in the process of filling and they had not yet experienced overflow in 1992. The water percolates from one basin to the other and disappears in the deposit. At the exsurgence, there is a sharp ionic decrease as pH decreases; th is indicates that precipitation occurs without a complete dehydration of the CO2, and also that the dams are in a cementing stage.