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James B Paces
U.S. Geological Survey, Rocky Mountain Region
Research Geologist, retired
303-236-0533
Bldg 810, Ent. E11, MS 963
Denver
CO
80225
US
jbpaces@usgs.gov
20230207
ArcGIS Metadata
1.0
GS ScienceBase
U.S. Geological Survey
1-888-275-8747
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
Denver
CO
80225
US
sciencebase@usgs.gov
None
Digital Data
https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/6377bbced34ed907bf6f8eb5
https://doi.org/10.5066/P9JPX2RO
File Geodatabase Feature Class
Concentrations and radiogenic isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr, 234U/238U) of thermal waters, streamflow, travertine, and rock samples along with U-Th disequilibrium ages for travertine deposits from various locations in Yellowstone National Park, USA
2022-12-16
James B. Paces
Shaul Hurwitz
Lauren N. Harrison
Jeffery T. Cullen
tabular digital data
<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>Radiogenic isotopes of strontium and uranium (87Sr/86Sr and 234U/238U) are useful tracers of water-rock interactions. Sr isotopic signatures in groundwater are derived by dissolution or exchange with Sr contained in aquifer rock whereas U isotopic signatures are more controlled by physicochemical and kinetic processes during groundwater flow. Insights into groundwater circulation patterns through the shallow subsurface at Yellowstone National Park can be aided by investigations of these isotopes. This data release contains tables with new isotope data consisting of concentrations (Sr, U) and radiogenic-isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr, 234U/238U) for samples of thermal springs and geysers focused largely on the Upper Geyser Basin, but from other geothermal areas as well. Sr isotopes were also analyzed in samples of streamflow from several different areas in the Park as well as in samples of whole rock or mineral separates as a means of better defining sources of Sr that are incorporated into thermal water. Finally, authigenic mineral deposits precipitated from spring discharge inherit the Sr- and U-isotopic composition of the water from which they formed. Travertine precipitated from several areas in the Upper Geyser Basin were analyzed as a means of assessing their ages, determined by U-Th disequilibrium methods, and the Sr- and U-isotopic compositions of their source water at the time they formed.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Data were downloaded and minimally modified by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) in February, 2023 for simplified display on the interactive Geology of Yellowstone Map. Data in this feature class come from the "YNP_Sr_RockData.csv" file. Several fields were combined and given new headers; the Metadata field was populated with text strings rather than numeric footnotes. Four records were excluded that were missing latitude and longitude data. The WSGS has not formally reviewed or quality-controlled these data; users are encouraged to consult the original data source.</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV>
This data release contains natural radiogenic isotopes of strontium and uranium intended for use interpreting aspects of water-rock interaction as a means of better understanding of subsurface circulation patterns in the Upper Geyser Basin and other areas of Yellowstone National Park. Comma-delimited data tables include concentrations of Sr and U and compositions of 87Sr/86Sr and 234U/238U for groundwater samples from hydrothermal features in (1) the Upper Geyser Basin, (2) other basins within the Park, (3) Sr concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr compositions of surface water from a number of streams, (4) U and Th concentrations and 232Th/238U-230Th/238U-234U/238U compositions as well as U-Th ages and 87Sr/86Sr compositions for travertine and sinter deposits from several areas in the Upper Geyser Basin, and (5) present-day 87Sr/86Sr composition for samples of rock and mineral separates for a number of intra caldera lava flows that provide signatures of potential aquifer sources for Sr in thermal water samples. These data represent a significant expansion of the Sr-isotope database for thermal waters within the Park and provide data that will supplement subsequent interpretive reports.
James B. Paces
U.S. Geological Survey
Research Geologist, retired
303-236-0533
P.O. Box 25046, MS 963
Denver
CO
80225
US
jbpaces@usgs.gov
Wyoming
Park County
Teton County
Yellowstone National Park
Upper Geyser Basin
ISO 19115 Topic Category
biota
isotope geochemistry
strontium isotopes
uranium isotopes
hydrothermal springs
geysers
travertine
U-Th disequilibrium dating
USGS Metadata Identifier
USGS:6377bbced34ed907bf6f8eb5
biota
isotope geochemistry
strontium isotopes
uranium isotopes
hydrothermal springs
geysers
travertine
U-Th disequilibrium dating
USGS:6377bbced34ed907bf6f8eb5
Wyoming
Park County
Teton County
Yellowstone National Park
Upper Geyser Basin
<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata, and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV>
Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
None. Please see 'Distribution Info' for details.
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2022
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Paces, J.B., Hurwitz, S., Harrison, L.N., and Cullen, J.T., 2022, Sr and U concentrations and radiogenic isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr, 234U/238U) of thermal waters, streamflow, travertine, and rock samples along with U-Th disequilibrium ages for travertine deposits from various locations in Yellowstone National Park, USA: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9JPX2RO.
No formal attribute accuracy tests were conducted
Data were transferred electronically to avoid transcription errors. Final values were verified by visual comparison to original spreadsheets
Data set is considered complete for the information presented in the published paper. Users are advised to read that document and the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
Accuracy of water samples and travertine locations were verified by projecting spatial coordinates onto satellite images in Google Earth.
No formal vertical accuracy tests were conducted.
SAMPLE COLLECTION
WATER: Samples of thermal water were collected from spring pools or outflow channels immediately downstream from geyser eruptions using a pre-rinsed HDPE or Teflon® beaker attached to a telescoping rod. Streamflow samples were collected at locations hosting USGS gage stations or from other surface water bodies. After collection, water samples were field filtered to 0.45 or 0.22 µm using either syringe filters under positive pressure or plate filtration units under negative pressure. Water samples were acidified either in the field or once returned to the laboratory using small amounts of high purity concentrated nitric acid. Sample volumes ranged from ~30 mL to 500 mL.
TRAVERTINE AND SINTER: Calcium carbonate (travertine) precipitated from sites of modern hydrothermal discharge are uncommon in the Upper Geyser Basin (UGB). However, two areas within the basin (small drainage ~350 m north-northwest of Morning Glory Pool and near the base of the hill slope representing the terminus of Summit Lake Flow ~250–400 m south of Asta Spring) contain scattered mounds of poorly bedded and exposed travertine that were sampled for U-series dating and characterization of 87Sr/86Sr and 234U/238U compositions of water at the time they formed. None of the travertine deposits are associated with active modern groundwater discharge. Hand specimens were collected from multiple mounds to obtain a reconnaissance-level understanding of the spatial and stratigraphic distribution of material. Deposits show a variety of textures including fine- to coarsely crystalline material that commonly exhibit elongated branching or feathery structures that may reflect original vegetative fabrics. Varying amounts of dark material consisting of organic matter or manganese-rich precipitate/staining may be present resulting in patchy textures of light and dark areas.
Several samples of silica-rich sinter from two constructive edifices associated with active geyser activity in the center of the Upper Geyser Basin (Giant Geyser and Castle Geyser) were also sampled for U-Th dating. Locations of subsamples in each geyser cone is documented in Churchill et al., 2020 (https://doi.org/10.1Ol6/j.jvolgeores.2020.106991).
Hand specimens were slabbed and polished to evaluate internal structures and fabrics prior to selecting areas for subsampling (see images in the separate file “Travertine&Sinter_ImagesOfSubsampleLocations.xdoc” included in this data release). Areas on each slab that appeared to contain the highest concentrations of carbonate or silica were targeted for subsampling. Shallow pits or trenches were excavated using carbide dental drills and the resulting powdered material was collected for further processing.
ROCK AND MINERAL: Samples of intra caldera rhyolite lava flows were obtained from previously collected materials archived at the USGS in Menlo Park, CA. Samples consisted of either whole-rock powders or mineral separates that had been prepared before arriving at the USGS Denver Radiogenic Isotope Lab. Mineral separates included glass as well as plagioclase, groundmass, and variable mixtures of quartz, plagioclase, and sanadine.
2022
CHEMICAL PROCESSING
All data in this data release were determined at USGS laboratories in Denver, CO. WATER SAMPLES: Sr concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr compositions for water samples were determined on two separate aliquots from the same original bottle. Concentrations were determined using small aliquots of water (~0.5–1 g) that were weighed into Teflon® PFA fluoroplastic vials, acidified with an equal amount of concentrated nitric acid, spiked with an 84Sr-enriched tracer solution, and allowed to equilibrate overnight at elevated temperature. The resulting ~7N nitric solutions were capped and kept warm on hotplates until processed to purify Sr via ion chromatography.
Larger aliquots (between 7 and 400 g) of water were used to determine 87Sr/86Sr (and 234U/238U) compositions. Samples where weighted in appropriate-sized Teflon® PFA fluoroplastic vessels (15 to 500 mL) and placed uncapped on Teflon®-coated hotplates within dry-down boxes subject to flow of nitrogen gas or HEPA-filtered air. Samples intended for U-isotope analyses were spiked with weighed amounts of a tracer solution containing known concentrations of 236U-233U-229Th, which were equilibrated with U dissolved in the original water samples during the dry-down procedure. After evaporation, salts were dissolved in small amounts of 7N nitric acid (0.5–1.0 mL) and centrifuged in 2-mL acid-leached disposable polypropylene tubes at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. Supernatant solutions were transferred to 7 mL Teflon® vials. Any remaining solids (commonly silica) were taken up in concentrated hydrofluoric acid, dried, redissolved in 7N nitric acid, and centrifuged again. Supernatant solutions were added to the first round of nitric-acid solutions. Any small amounts of remaining solids were discarded. Nitric sample solutions were capped and kept warm on hotplates until separation/purification via ion chromatography. TRAVERTINE AND SINTER SAMPLES: Powdered subsamples of travertine and sinter were weighed in 7-ml Teflon® PFA fluoroplastic vials, then wetted with a few drops of deonized water followed by addition of high-purity concentrated nitric acid to digest the carbonate fraction of the samples. After effervescence ceased, samples were spiked with a highly purified mixed U-Th tracer solution containing known concentrations of 236U, 233U, and 229Th. Vials were capped, heated overnight on a 120°C hotplate, then taken to dryness under HEPA-filtered airflow. Resulting salts were dissolved in ~1 mL of 7N nitric acid, capped, and left to equilibrate at elevated temperature. Sample solutions were transferred to 2-mL acid-leached disposable polypropylene tubes and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. Supernatant solutions were transferred to an additional set of 7 mL Teflon® vials (used for Th separations). Any remaining solids were transferred back to the original 7-mL vials (used for U separations) using 5–20 drops of concentrated hydrofluoric acid followed by several drops of concentrated nitric acid and allowed to digest overnight on a 120°C hotplate. After evaporation, resulting salts were redissolved in ~0.5 mL of 7N nitric acid, transferred to centrifuge tubes and centrifuged again at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant components were added to the original 7N nitric digestions. In most cases, no residue remained. If any residue did persist, the hydrofluoric acid digestion step was repeated. Ultimately, all digestions of original materials were complete so that the possibility of laboratory fractionation of U and Th that might adversely affect 230Th/U age estimates was eliminated. Sr analyses were made on the same digestions by separations during ion chromatography.
ROCK AND MINERAL SAMPLES: Between 0.1 and 0.2 g of powdered whole-rock or mineral separate samples were weighed in 7-ml Teflon® PFA fluoroplastic vials, then wetted with a few drops of deonized water followed by 20 drops of concentrated nitric acid. After ~ 10 minutes, 4 mL of concentrated hydrofluoric acid was added to each vial, which were then tightly capped and heated on a 120°C hotplate for 24 hours or longer. Vials were uncapped and evaporated on a 100°C hotplate until a small, wet blob remained after which approximately 1 mL of concentrated nitric acid was added. Vials were sealed and heated for several hours on a 120°C hotplate. Vials were uncapped and evaporated on a ~120°C hotplate until small wet blob remained. Approximately 1.8 mL of 6N hydrochloric acid was added after which vials were sealed and heated at 120°C overnight. Small to large amounts of solids remain. Samples were transferred to 2 mL acid-leached polypropylene centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. Supernatant solutions were transferred separate centrifuge tubes, and residues were transferred back to the original Teflon® vials using 30 drops of concentrated hydrofluoric acid and 5 drops of concentrated nitric acid. Vials were sealed and heated on a 120° hotplate for several hours. Vials were uncapped and solutions evaporated on a 90°C hotplate, followed by addition of approximately 1.8 mL of 6N hydrochloric acid. Vials were sealed and heated at 120°C overnight.
Sample solutions were transferred to 2 mL centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. Supernatant solutions were transferred to the original 7 mL Teflon® vials. Most had no residue. Both the first and second hydrochloric digestions were combined (total of ~4 mL HCl). Vials were sealed and heated on a 120°C hotplate for ~2 hours. No solids were obvious in the warm solutions. Samples were evaporated to dryness on a 80°C hotplate. Approximately 1 mL 7N nitric acid was added to evaporated salts, then sealed and heated on a 110°C hotplate overnight. Light yellow solutions contain no obvious residues and ready for ion chromatographic separations.
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
2022
ION CHROMATOGRAPHY
Sr, U, and Th separates were purified using standard ion chromatographic methods. Ion-exchange columns consisted of clean, 1-mL, acid-leached disposable pipet tips into which small, plastic frits were pushed into place. Sr separations relied on Eichrom™ Sr resin and U-Th separations relied on Biorad™ AG1×8 resin. Columns containing ~0.15 mL of Sr resin used to purify Sr for concentration determinations by isotope dilution of spiked Sr samples were treated separately from columns used for determining isotope composition. For the latter, 87Sr/86Sr and 234U/238U compositions (plus Th for travertine dating) were obtained from the same solution by placing U columns containing 0.50 mL of AG1×8 resin on top of Sr columns containing 0.25 mL of Sr resin. After cleaning the resins using 80 to 100 resin volumes of 0.05N nitric acid, both U and Sr columns were preconditioned with 2 resin volumes of 7 N nitric acid.
Once conditioned, U columns were placed on top of Sr columns, and warm sample solutions were loaded onto U columns. The initial nitric-acid effluent from the upper U columns fed directly onto the lower Sr columns with the Sr effluent going to waste. Columns were separated after the first 3–4 U resin volumes of 7N nitric acid wash and processed separately to complete U and Sr purification. For U purification, AG1×8 resin was washed sequentially with 5–10 resin volumes of 6.5N hydrochloric acid. If Th was being analyzed for travertine dating, the effluent was collected from this step into separate 7 mL Teflon® vials and then evaporated to dryness. If not, hydrochloric acid washes were drained to waste. After washing the resin with hydrochloric acid, U was collected in the original 7 mL Teflon® vials using 10–12 resin volumes of 0.05N nitric acid followed by evaporation to dryness. The resulting U separates may or may not have required a second pass through the same column to achieve sufficient cleanliness, indicated by a small, clear to yellowish speck at the bottom of the vial.
For U-Th disequilibrium dating, the dried Th cut was redissolved in 0.5 mL 7N nitric acid and processed through the same AG1×8 resin column used previously. Warm solutions were loaded onto pre- cleaned and conditioned columns and washed with 5–8 resin volumes of 7N nitric acid, with the effluent going to waste. Purified Th was collected by washing 4–5 resin volumes 6.5N hydrochloric acid followed by 4–5 resin volumes of 0.05N nitric acid into Th vials. Resulting solutions typically evaporated to tiny clear spots.
For Sr purification, lower Sr columns separated from the original column setup continued to receive additional washes of 7N nitric acid. A total of 35–40 resin volumes were used with the effluent going to waste. Purified Sr was collected in separate 7 mL Teflon® vials using 20–25 resin volumes of 0.05N nitric acid. After evaporation, Sr salts were typically clean enough and did not require further processing. Chromatographic separations of spiked Sr followed the same overall process; however, original solutions loaded directly onto the 0.15 mL Sr resin bed. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
2022
MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS
All U- and Sr-isotope measurements were made on the Thermo Finnigan™ Triton thermal-ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) at the USGS Denver Radiogenic Isotope Lab.
Sr-ISOTOPE ANALYSES: Purified Sr salts (both spiked and unspiked) were loaded onto single rhenium filaments along with a small amount of tantalum-oxide activator. For 84Sr-spiked water samples, values of 84Sr/86Sr were determined using a single MasCom™ discrete-dynode electron multiplier operating in peak jumping mode and used to calculate Sr concentrations by isotope dilution. Precision and accuracy of concentration determinations are better than 1% as estimated by monitoring inter-laboratory comparison samples distributed as part of the Standard Reference Sample program administered by the USGS Branch of Quality systems (https://bqs.usgs.gov/srs/).
Measurements of unspiked Sr samples were run in dynamic triple-peak-jumping mode using static faraday cup measurements in each jump. Resulting 87Sr/86Sr ratios were normalized for instrumental fractionation using the accepted 86Sr/88Sr value of 0.1194. Data for 84Sr/86Sr were also collected during the same run to monitor the effectiveness of the fractionation correction. Total-process blank contributions for Sr varied between 50 and 100 picograms, which is negligible compared to Sr abundances in processed samples (at least 20,000 pg in water samples with median value of 640,000 pg). The mean 87Sr/86Sr value obtained for the NIST Sr-isotope standard, SRM987, collected over the period of analysis was 0.710251±0.000007 (2SD: N=336), which is within uncertainty of the accepted value of 0.710248±0.000006 (McArthur and others, 2001). Fractionation-corrected 87Sr/86Sr values determined for unknown samples were corrected for instrument bias by applying the same normalization factor required to adjust the average measured SRM987 obtained for each batch of analyses to the accepted value. A secondary Sr-isotope standard, EN–1, analyzed as an unknown with each batch, yielded a mean 87Sr/86Sr value of 0.709176±0.000010 (2SD; N=251) which is nearly identical to the accepted value of 0.709174±0.000002 (±2×standard error; McArthur and others, 2006). Values of 87Sr/86Sr obtained for USGS rock standards BCR-1 and BHVO-1 are 0.705014±0.000015 (2SD; N=5) and 0.703490±0.000015 (2SD; N=2), respectively, which are within uncertainty of the accepted values of 0.705018±0.000013 and 0.703475±0.000017 (Weis et al., 2006).
U-ISOTOPE ANALYSES: Purified U salts were loaded onto the evaporation side of double rhenium filament assemblies. U-isotope measurements were made using a Thermo Finnigan Triton™ thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) in peak-jumping mode using a single discrete-dynode secondary electron multiplier behind a retarding potential quadrupole (RPQ) energy filter that reduced abundance sensitivity on a theoretical 237U mass to <2 ppb. Measured atomic ratios of 234U/235U and 235U/236U ratios of were converted to picomole abundances of each isotope and corrected for mass fractionation using the known 236U/233U value in the spike solution, as well as for contributions from the added spike and total procedural chemistry blanks (3–20 pg U). Measured 234U/235U values were converted to 234U/238U assuming a 238U/235U of 137.88 and were normalized relative to a standard value of 0.0000529 (±0.0000011 2σ) for the 234U/238U atomic ratio in the U-isotope standard, NIST SRM4321B, run during each barrel. Corrected ratios were converted to [234U/238U] activity ratios (denoted by square brackets) using values for radioactive decay constants given by Steiger and Jäger (1977; lambda-238 = 1.55125E-10 a-1) and Cheng and others (2013; lambda-234 = 2.82206E-6 a-1). Analyses of the NIST U-isotope standard, SRM4321B, determined over the same period yielded an average 234U/235U value of 0.007301±0.000011 (2SD; N=179), which is within analytical uncertainty of the certified value of 0.007294±0.000028. Results for an in‐house secular-equilibrium standard derived from a 69‐Ma‐old uranium ore from the Schwartzwalder Mine (Ludwig and others, 1985) yielded results that are consistent with the secular equilibrium value of 1.0000 (average [234U/238U] value of 0.9987±0.0047 (2SD; N=57)). All uncertainties are given at the 95% confidence level (±2σ). Corrected values of 236U/235U were used to calculate U concentrations by isotope dilution given known concentration values of 236U in the spike solution added. Like Sr concentrations, the precision and accuracy of concentration determinations were monitored by analyzing inter-laboratory comparison samples distributed as part of the Standard Reference Sample program administered by the USGS Branch of Quality systems (https://bqs.usgs.gov/srs/). Concentrations of U in Yellowstone thermal waters can be very low such that the total procedural blank estimates of 3–20 pg are non-trivial for some samples. Out of 74 water samples analyzed, 3 had total U abundances of 18 to 59 pg, 16 had U abundances between 100 and 1000 pg, and the remainder had U abundances >1000 pg. Samples with very low U concentrations are most affected by uncertainties in spike and blank addition and yielded larger uncertainties in measured U-isotope compositions (large counting uncertainties) compared to other samples.
Th-ISOTOPE ANALYSES AND U-SERIES AGES: Thorium salts dissolved in 6N HCl were loaded on single Re‐filament assemblies sandwiched between layers of graphite suspension and analyzed using the same Triton™ TIMS as described above. Atomic ratios of 230Th/229Th and 232Th/229Th were determined using a single electron multiplier operating in peak‐jumping mode. Because of the 300,000 count-per-second limitation of ion beams impingent on the electron multiplier, Th measurements for samples with elevated 232Th were made in two stages: the first at lower temperatures for 232Th/229Th and the second at higher temperatures for 230Th/229Th. Measured ratios were converted to picomole abundances of each isotope, corrected for fractionation (0.008%/amu for Th) and contributions from spike and blank. Resulting Th-isotope abundances, along with those determined for U in the same sample as a separate run, were converted to [232Th/238U], [230Th/238U], and [234U/238U] (square brackets used to denote activity ratios) using radioactive decay constant values given by Steiger and Jäger (1977) for 238U (lambda-238 = 1.55125E-10 a-1) and 232Th (lambda-232 = 4.9475E-11 a-1) and Cheng et al. (2013) for 234U (lambda-234 = 2.82206E-6 a-1) and 230Th (lambda-230= 9.1705E-6 a-1). In addition to quality control measurements listed above for U, results for a USGS in‐house secular equilibrium standard derived from a 69‐Ma‐old uranium ore from the Schwartzwalder Mine (Ludwig et al., 1985) yielded a mean [230Th/238U] of 0.9988±0.0037 (2×standard deviation with N=31), which is analytically indistinguishable from the secular equilibrium value of 1.0000. Analyses of a USGS late-Pleistocene Acropora coral dating standard (mean age of 119.6 ±1.9 ka for N=17 determined by Watanabe and Nakai, 2006) processed in an identical manner as the unknown samples yielded an average age of 119.4 ±1.2 ka and an initial 234U/238U activity ratio of 1.154±0.006 (N=16), which is within uncertainty of accepted values for seawater (1.150±0.006; Delanghe and others, 2002).
Measurable amounts of common thorium (that is, 232Th) implies that some 230Th present within a sample is not associated solely with the in-situ decay of parent isotope 234U and presumably derives from fine-grained silicate detritus incorporated during or after formation. To avoid calculating erroneously old 230Th/U ages, any initial 230Th contributed from detrital sources must be eliminated. This was done mathematically based on the measured [232Th/238U], and assumptions that the purely authigenic component is 232Th free due to the extremely low solubility of Th in most near-surface water, and that the isotopic composition of the thorium‐bearing detrital component is known (Ludwig and Paces, 2002). The detrital component is assumed to have an atomic Th/U of 4±2 reflecting the composition of average continental crust (Shaw and others, 1976; Taylor and McLennan, 1985; Rudnick and Gao, 2003) and to be in radioactive secular equilibrium (that is, [232Th/238U] = 1.276±0.64; [234U/238U] = 1.0±0.1; and [230Th/238U] = 1.0±0.25). Detrital-corrected [230Th/238U] and [234U/238U] values were then used to calculate 230Th/U ages, initial [234U/238U], and associated errors using conventional U‐series age equations (Ludwig, 2012). All uncertainties are given at ±2-sigma (95% confidence levels) and include errors from within-run counting statistics, external errors based on reproducibility of standards, and errors propagated from uncertainties assigned to the assumed detrital component and the amount of detrital material present in a given sample. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
CITATIONS: Cheng, H., Edwards, R.L., Shen, C.C., Polyak, V.J., Asmerom, Y., Woodhead, J., Hellstrom, J., Wang, Y., Kong, X., Spötl, C., Wang, X., Alexander, Jr., E.C., 2013, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 371–372, 82–91 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.04.006); Delanghe, D., Bard, D., Hamelin, B., 2002, Marine Chemistry 80, 79–93 (https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-4203(02)00100-7); Ludwig, K.R., and Paces, J.B., 2002, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 66, 487–506. (https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(01)00786-4); Ludwig, K.R., 2012, Berkeley Geochronological Center Special Publication 5, 75 p. (http://bgc.org/isoplot_etc/isoplot/Isoplot3_75-4_15manual.pdf); Ludwig, K.R., Wallace, A.R., and Simmons, K.R., 1985, Econ. Geol. 80, 1858-1871 (https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.80.7.1858); McArthur, J.M, Howarth, R.J., and Bailey, R.R., 2001, Jour. Geol. 109, 155–170 (https://doi.org/10.1086/319243); McArthur, J.M., Rio, D., Massari, F., Castradori, D., Bailey, T.R., Thirlwall, M., and Houghton, S., 2006, Palaeogeog., Palaeoclimat., Palaeoecol. 242, 126–136 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2006.06.004); Rudnick, R.L., and Gao, S., 2014, In, Treatise on Geochemistry (2nd edition), Holland, H.D. and Turekian, K.K. (eds.). Elsevier, 4, 1–51. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-095975-7.00301-6); Shaw D.M., Dostal J., and Keays R.R., 1976, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 40, 73–83 (https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(76)90195-2); Steiger, R.H., and Jäger, E., 1977, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 36, 359–362 (https://doi.org/10.1306/St6398C6); Taylor, S.R., McLennan, S.M., 1985, The continental crust: its composition and evolution. (https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6582885); Watanabe and Nakai, 2006, Geochem. Jour. 40, 537–541 (https://doi.org/10.2343/geochemj.40.537); Weis, D., Kieffer, B., Maerschalk, C., Barling, J., de Jong, J., Williams, G.A., Hanano, D., Pretorius, W., Mattielli, N., Scoates, J.S., Goolaerts, A., Friedman, R.M., Mahoney, J.B., 2006, Geochem., Geophys., Geosys. 7, no. 8 (https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GC001283).
2022
16
YNP_Sr-U_UGB_ThermalWater.csv
Comma Separated Value (CSV) file containing data.
Producer Defined
Feature Class
16
OBJECTID
ObjectID
OID
4
0
0
Internal feature number.
Esri
Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Shape
Shape
Geometry
0
0
0
Feature geometry.
Esri
Coordinates defining the features.
Sample_number
Sample_number
String
255
0
0
Lith_unit
Lith_unit
String
255
0
0
Material
Material
String
255
0
0
Metadata
Metadata
String
255
0
0
Lat
Lat
Double
8
0
0
Long
Long
Double
8
0
0
Age_Ma
Age_Ma
Double
8
0
0
F87Sr_86Sr
87Sr/86Sr
String
255
0
0
d87Sr_permil
d87Sr_permil
Double
8
0
0
Data_source
Data_source
String
255
0
0
YNP_Sr-U_Other_ThermalWater.csv
Comma Separated Value (CSV) file containing data.
Producer Defined
sample_name
Unique identifier for subsamples processed in the USGS Denver radiogenic isotope laboratory
Producer Defined
Alpha-numeric sequence that uniquely identifies each sample
basin_or_group
Name of hydrologic basin or group of hydrothermal features
Producer Defined
unknown
No data are available
Producer defined
Lower Geyser Basin
Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Madison Junction
Madison Junction, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Gibbon River Canyon
Gibbon River Canyon, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Mt Washburn
Mt Washburn area, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Hot Spring Basin
Hot Spring Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Pelican Valley
Pelican Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Potts Basin
Potts Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Heart Lake Basin
Heart Lake Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Shoshone Geyser Basin
Shoshone Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Snake River Hot Springs
Snake River Hot Springs area, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Sour Creek Valley
Sour Creek Valley, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Broad Creek
Broad Creek, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Bechler River
Bechler River, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
feature
Name of sampled geyser, spring, or pool
Producer Defined
unknown
Feature is not named or name is unknown
Producer defined
Formal or informal name of hydrologic feature sampled
latitude
Latitude of sample collection site, relative to WGS84
Producer Defined
unknown
Location coordinates are not known
Producer defined
44.16761
44.965
Decimal degrees
longitude
Longitude of sample collection site, relative to WGS84
Producer Defined
unknown
Location coordinates are not known
Producer defined
-110.89087
-110.25091
Decimal degrees
collection_date
Calendar date when water was collected
Producer Defined
unknown
Date of collection is unknown
Producer defined
8/27/2006
9/18/2018
Julian date
metadata_source
Source of metadata information
Producer Defined
Cullen et al., 2021
Journal article available at https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC009589
Producer defined
J.T. Cullen, Univ. Texas – Austin, 2022, written communication
unpublished spreadsheet
Producer defined
Bergfeld et al., 2019
USGS Data Release available at https://doi.org/10.5066/F7H13105
Producer defined
S. Hurwitz, USGS, 2022, written communication
unpublished spreadsheet
Producer defined
McCleskey, et al., 2019
USGS Data Release available at https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MJ0HYM
Producer defined
water_temp
Water temperature at time of sample collection
Producer Defined
unknown
No data are available
Producer defined
35
95
Degrees celcius
Sr_conc
Concentration of dissolved strontium determined by isotope dilution
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.96
4198
ng/g
Sr_conc_err
2-sigma uncertainty in strontium concentration
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.0096
42
ng/g
8786Sr
Measured 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
0.7038939999999999
0.715959
unitless
8786Sr_err
2-sigma uncertainty in 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
8e-06
0.001524
unitless
d87Sr
Delta-87Sr
Producer Defined
-7.45
9.57
per mil
U_conc
Concentration of dissolved uranium determined by isotope dilution
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.0004
8.56
ng/g
U_conc_err
2-sigma uncertainty in uranium concentration
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.0001
0.05
ng/g
234238U_AR
234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.938
1.670
unitless
234238U_AR_err
2-sigma uncertainty in 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.002
0.077
unitless
YNP_Surface-Water.csv
Comma Separated Value (CSV) file containing data.
Producer Defined
sample_name
Unique identifier for subsamples processed in the USGS Denver radiogenic isotope laboratory
Producer Defined
Alpha-numeric sequence that uniquely identifies each sample
area
Name of hydrologic area
Producer Defined
Upper Geyser Basin
Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Biscuit Basin
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Madison Junction
Madison Junction, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Mammoth
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Shoshone Lake
Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Heart Lake Basin
Heart Lake Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Flagg Ranch
Flagg Ranch, near South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
site_name
Name of sampled stream
Producer Defined
Firehole River at Old Faithful, YNP
Firehole River stream gage station upstream from Upper Geyser Basin
Producer defined
Firehole R., below UGB
Firehole River at Biscuit Basin, downstream from Upper Geyser Basin
Producer defined
Firehole River near West Yellowstone, MT
Firehole River ~ 2.4 km south of Madison Junction
Producer defined
Gibbon River at Madison Jct, YNP
Gibbon River stream gage station at U.S. Highway 191 bridge
Producer defined
Boiling River at Mammoth, YNP
Boiling River stream gage station ~1.2 km northeast of Mammoth
Producer defined
Gardner River near Mammoth, YNP
Gardner River stream gage station ~1.9 km northeast of Mammoth
Producer defined
Yellowstone River at Yellowstone Lake Outlet, YNP
Yellowstone River stream gage station near Fishing Bridge
Producer defined
Shoshone Lake @ Cove campground
Shoshone Lake at Cove campground
Producer defined
Witch Creek @ upper bridge
Witch Creek at upper bridge
Producer defined
Snake River above Jackson Lake at Flagg Ranch, WY
Snake River stream gage station at U.S. Highway 191 bridge
Producer defined
USGS_streamgage_number
USGS stream gage number
Producer Defined
none
No USGS stream gage station at this site
Producer defined
Official USGS stream gage identifier with location metadata from https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory
latitude
Latitude of sample collection site, relative to NAD83
Producer Defined
44.09889
44.99234
Decimal degrees
longitude
Longitude of sample collection site, relative to NAD83
Producer Defined
-110.8635
-110.38041
Decimal degrees
collection_date
Calendar date when water was collected
Producer Defined
4/12/2007
11/8/2016
Julian date
Sr_conc
Concentration of dissolved strontium determined by isotope dilution
Producer Defined
4.3
2678.0
ng/g
Sr_conc_err
2-sigma uncertainty in strontium concentration
Producer Defined
0.04
27.0
ng/g
8786Sr
Measured 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
0.706371
0.713099
unitless
err_8786Sr
2-sigma uncertainty in 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
9e-06
2.2e-05
unitless
d87Sr
Delta-87Sr
Producer Defined
-3.95
5.53
per mil
U_conc
Concentration of dissolved uranium determined by isotope dilution
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.2497
0.3293
ng/g
err_U_conc
2-sigma uncertainty in uranium concentration
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.0003
0.0005
ng/g
234238U_AR
234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
1.058
1.061
unitless
err_234238U_AR
2-sigma uncertainty in 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
not analyzed
No data are available
Producer defined
0.003
0.003
unitless
YNP_Sr-UTh_Travertine.csv
Comma Separated Value (CSV) file containing data.
Producer Defined
sample_name
Unique identifier for subsamples processed in the USGS Denver radiogenic isotope laboratory
Producer Defined
Alpha-numeric sequence that uniquely identifies each sample
sample_type
Type of material analyzed
Producer Defined
Travertine
Groundwater discharge deposit formed primarily of calcium carbonate
Producer defined
Silica sinter
Groundwater discharge deposit formed primarily of opaline silica
Producer defined
site_location
General location of groundwater discharge deposit
Producer Defined
north of Morning Glory Pool
Small north-south valley north of Morning Glory Pool, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Giant Geyser
Giant Geyser cone, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Castle Geyser
Castle Geyser cone, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Producer defined
Hillside group near Asta Spring
East-facing slope south of Hillside group springs
Producer defined
latitude
Latitude of sample collection site, relative to WGS84
Producer Defined
44.46369
44.47853
Decimal degrees
longitude
Longitude of sample collection site, relative to WGS84
Producer Defined
-110.86598
-110.83634
Decimal degrees
U_conc
Concentration of uranium determined by isotope dilution
Producer Defined
0.16
14.06
microgram per gram
Th_conc
Concentration of thorium determined by isotope dilution
Producer Defined
0.0004
0.501
microgram per gram
232Th_238U_AR_m
measured 232Th/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
4e-05
0.38947
unitless
232Th_238U_AR_m_err
2-sigma uncertainty in measured 232Th/238Th activity ratio
Producer Defined
1e-05
0.00221
unitless
230Th_238U_AR_m
Measured 230Th/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.0991
0.3464
unitless
230Th_238U_AR_m_err
2-sigma uncertainty in measured 230Th/238Th activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.0005
0.0086
unitless
234U_238U_AR_m
Measured 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
1.012
1.092
unitless
234U_238U_AR_m_err
2-sigma uncertainty in measured 234U/238Th activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.0021
0.0659
unitless
230Th_232Th_AR_m
Measured 230Th/232Th activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.9
2419.0
unitless
230Th_238U_AR_dc
Detritus-corrected 230Th/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.02
0.1307
unitless
230Th_238U_AR_dc_err
2-sigma uncertainty in detritus-corrected 230Th/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.0005
0.234
unitless
234U_238U_AR_dc
Detritus-corrected 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
1.013
1.0922
unitless
234U_238U_AR_dc_err
2-sigma uncertainty in detritus-corrected 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.0021
0.076
unitless
230Th_U_age
230Th/U age
Producer Defined
2.0
13.87
kiloannum
230Th_U_age_err
2-sigma uncertainty in 230Th/U age
Producer Defined
0.06
26.0
kiloannum
Init_234U_238U_AR
initial 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
1.013
1.096
unitless
Init_234U_238U_AR_err
2-sigma uncertainty in the initial 234U/238U activity ratio
Producer Defined
0.002
0.076
unitless
87Sr_86Sr_m
Measured 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
0.709889
0.716874
unitless
87Sr_86Sr_m_err
2-sigma uncertainty in 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
8e-06
1e-05
unitless
delta_87Sr
Delta-87Sr
Producer Defined
1.01
10.86
per mil
YNP_Sr_RockData.csv
Comma Separated Value (CSV) file containing data.
Producer Defined
sample_name
Unique identifier for subsamples processed in the USGS Denver radiogenic isotope laboratory
Producer Defined
Alpha-numeric sequence that uniquely identifies each sample
lithologic_unit
Lithologic unit
Producer Defined
West Yellowstone flow
West Yellowstone flow, Central Plateau Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Gibbon River flow
Gibbon River flow, Roaring Mountain Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Summit Lake flow
Summit Lake flow, Central Plateau Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Mallard Lake flow
Mallard Lake flow, Mallard Lake Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Scaup Lake flow
Scaup Lake flow, Upper Basin Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Canyon flow
Canyon flow, Upper Basin Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Dunraven Road flow
Dunraven Road flow, Upper Basin Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Uncle Toms Trail
Tuff of Uncle Toms Trail, Upper Basin Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
Middle Biscuit Basin
Middle Biscuit Basin flow, Upper Basin Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
East Biscuit Basin
East Biscuit Basin flow, Upper Basin Member of Plateau Rhyolite formation, Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field
Producer defined
metadata_source
Source of metadata information
Producer Defined
M.E. Stelten, USGS, written communication, 2022
Unpublished spreadsheet
Producer defined
S. Hurwitz, USGS, 2022, written communication
Unpublished spreadsheet
Producer defined
Robinson et al., 2021
USGS Data Release available at https://doi.org/10.5066/P94JTACV
Producer defined
Hildreth et al, 1991
Journal article available at https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/32.1.63
Producer defined
latitude
Latitude of sample collection site, relative to WGS84
Producer Defined
unknown
No data are available
Producer defined
44.406
44.749
Decimal degrees
longitude
Longitude of sample collection site, relative to WGS84
Producer Defined
unknown
No data are available
Producer defined
-110.286
-110.93143
decimal degrees
eruption_age
Age of lithologic unit
Producer Defined
unknown
No data are available
Producer defined
0.114
0.516
Mega-annum
sample_type
Material used for analysis
Producer Defined
Glass
volcanic glass separate
Producer defined
Groundmass, >2 mm
volcanic groundmass, hand picked >2 mm size fraction
Producer defined
Groundmass, 1–2 mm
volcanic groundmass, hand picked 1–2 mm size fraction
Producer defined
Bulk rock frag, 0.5–1 mm
crushed rock fragments, 0.5–1 mm size fraction
Producer defined
Whole-rock powder
powdered whole rock
Producer defined
Qtz+plg
quartz + plagioclase mineral separate
Producer defined
Qtz+plg+san
quartz + plagioclase + sanidine mineral separate
Producer defined
Plagioclase
plagioclase mineral separate
Producer defined
8786Sr
Measured 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
0.70795
0.719461
unitless
8786Sr_err
2-sigma uncertainty in 87Sr/86Sr atomic ratio
Producer Defined
8e-06
2.1e-05
unitless
d87Sr
Delta-87Sr
Producer Defined
-1.73
14.51
per mil
dataset
EPSG
6.18.3(9.3.1.2)
Simple
FALSE
16
TRUE
FALSE