Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1029/2006jb004404
Title (Primary) Seismically induced changes of the fluid signature detected by a multi-isotope approach (He, CO2, CH4, N2) at the Wettinquelle, Bad Brambach (central Europe)
Author Bräuer, K.; Kämpf, H.; Koch, U.; Niedermann, S.; Strauch, G.
Source Titel Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth
Year 2007
Department HDG
Volume 112
Issue B4
Page From B04307
Language englisch
Abstract We present a study considering the systematics of gas and isotope compositions (3He/4He, d 13CCO2, d 13CCH4, d 15N) of a permanent magmatic CO2 flux in the hydrothermal system of the spring "Wettinquelle" in Bad Brambach and their relation to the seismic activity beneath the western Eger rift. The gas and isotope compositions were monitored for more than 3 years. The time series includes periods before, during, and after a 4-month-long seismically active period from the end of August to the end of December 2000. Shifts due to admixture of crustal components were found for all monitored isotope ratios during and after the seismically active period. In case of helium and nitrogen, isotopic anomalies occurred already about 6 weeks before the beginning of the seismically active period, contemporaneous with a water level anomaly of the well VL4 near the Wettinquelle. On the one hand, preseismic deformations may be responsible for the observed isotope anomalies; on the other hand, coseismic fracturing processes in the surroundings of the hypocenters may play a role. Both effects produce greater permeability and result in the release of crustal fluids. The migration and admixture of these crustal components to the "permanent" upper mantle-derived fluid flux result in geochemical anomalies that persist for more than 2 years. The results of the detailed isotope monitoring have proven to be an important contribution to understand the geodynamic processes that may presently be going on in the region Vogtland/NW Bohemia.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=1684
Bräuer, K., Kämpf, H., Koch, U., Niedermann, S., Strauch, G. (2007):
Seismically induced changes of the fluid signature detected by a multi-isotope approach (He, CO2, CH4, N2) at the Wettinquelle, Bad Brambach (central Europe)
J. Geophys. Res.-Solid Earth 112 (B4), B04307 10.1029/2006jb004404