Fieldwide Chemical and Isotopic Gradients in Steam from the Geysers

Strong fieldwide gradients from southeast to northwest in gas/steam and {delta}{sup 18}O have been found in steam produced from wells at The Geysers. These gradients result from recharge from the southeast that has increased liquid saturation in the southern part of the reservoir and flushed gases and high {delta}{sup 18}O connate waters to the north and out of the system through surface vents. Variations in the steepness of the gradients are probably related to major venting in the Big Geysers area. Although lateral steam flow and condensation subsequent to flushing explain some local gradients in the southern area, these processes cannot explain the fieldwide variations. 1 tab., 24 refs., 5 figs