Tsukuba, Japan—Although most natural spa waters primarily originate from atmospheric precipitation, such as rain and snow (known as meteoric water), the present study explored the unique qualities of certain spa waters. By analyzing the stable isotope compositions of hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules, researchers have identified distinct characteristics that indicate the presence of long-trapped lithospheric water. They traced the isotopic evolution of this water through sophisticated numerical modeling, and found that various types of water, including those found deep beneath the seafloor as well as in submarine mud volcanoes, coastal oil field brines, and volcanic steam from plate subduction zones, share a common evolutionary trajectory. Moreover, the researchers developed a novel method for reconstructing the original isotopic composition of lithospheric water by eliminating the effects of meteoric water contamination from the isotopic data of natural spa waters. Using this approach, the researchers calculated the isotopic composition of lithospheric waters at the depths of various spa sites and compared these values with those reconstructed from natural spa waters. Based on the geographical distribution of spa waters, they were categorized into three groups: those consistent with the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate or the Pacific Plate and those showing minimal isotopic evolution and thus not aligning with either plate.
These findings not only reveal the complex, three-dimensional structure and evolution of ultra-deep water circulation (>100 km deep) but also hold crucial implications for understanding the role of water in seismic and volcanic activities. This research paves the way for advancements in the prediction and forecasting of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (grant nos. 15H02957 & 19H01370) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The authors thank all managers of individual studied spas for accepting water collection at the spa source.
Title of original paper:
Isotopic evolutionary track of water due to interaction with rocks and its use for tracing water cycle through the lithosphere
Journal:
Journal of Hydrology
DOI:
10.1016/j.jhydrol.2023.130589
Professor YAMANAKA, Tsutomu
Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba
ADACHI, Ikuya
Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba
Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences
Journal of Hydrology
Isotopic evolutionary track of water due to interaction with rocks and its use for tracing water cycle through the lithosphere
7-Dec-2023