The thermal springs of Bockfjorden, Svalbard: II: selected aspects of trace element hydrochemistry

Waters from the Trollkjeldene (Troll springs) and Jotunkjeldene (Jotun spri ngs) thermal springs on northern Svalbard have been analysed by ICP-AES, IC P-MS and IC techniques for a wide range of major and trace elements. Althou gh it is plausible that the thermal waters originate from a deep reservoir in siliceous rocks, it appears that a significant component of their hydroc hemical signature is derived from dissolution of higher-level Hecla Hoek ma rbles. Rare earth elements (REEs) show some degree of enrichment of heavy R EEs in the water phase, relative to the marbles and to the travertines that precipitate from the waters. A strong positive Eu anomaly is also observed in the waters, suggesting preferential mobilisation of Eu under reducing c onditions. The ratio Nb/Ta is rather well-preserved between the marbles, th e waters and the travertines. (C) 1999 CNR. Published by Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.