Noble Gas Isotopes in Mineral Springs within the 

Cascadia Forearc, Washington and Oregon

By Patricia A. McCrory, James E. Constantz, and Andrew G. Hunt

Open-File Report 2014–1064

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

SALLY JEWELL, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2014

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Suggested citation:

McCrory, P.A., Constantz, J.E., and Hunt, A.G., 2014, Noble gas isotopes in mineral springs within the 

Cascadia Forearc, Wasihington and Oregon: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014-1064, 

20 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141064.

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual

copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report.
iii

Contents

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 1

Methods......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Field ........................................................................................................................................................... 3

Analytical.................................................................................................................................................... 3

Mineral Spring Sites Sampled for Noble Gas Isotopes.................................................................................. 4

Sol Duc Mineral Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington .................................................................. 4

Olympic Mineral Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington .................................................................. 6

Well #67, Jackson Prairie Natural Gas Storage Facility, Washington ........................................................ 8

Pigeon Mineral Spring, Washington......................................................................................................... 10

Boswell Mineral Springs, Oregon............................................................................................................. 12

Cascadia Soda Spring, Cascadia State Park, Oregon............................................................................. 14

Sodaville Mineral Spring, Sodaville Park, Oregon.................................................................................... 16

Wilhoit Soda Spring, Wilhoit County Park, Oregon .................................................................................. 18

Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................................... 20

References Cited......................................................................................................................................... 20

Figure

Figure 1. Map showing location of mineral spring sites with respect to Juan de Fuca plate model of 

McCrory and others (2012) and the location of the forearc mantle corner (McCrory and others, 2014) ........2
iv

Conversion Factors and Datums

Conversion Factors

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

Mass

pound, avoirdupois (lb) 0.4536 kilogram (kg) 

SI to Inch/Pound

Multiply By To obtain

Length

meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft) 

kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile (mi)

Volume

liter (L) 0.2642 gallon (gal)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32.

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 25 °C).

Datums

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84).

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the World Geodetic System Earth Gravitational Model Geoid of 1996 

(WGS84 EGM96 Geoid).

Elevation, as used in this report, refers to distance above mean sea level.
1

Noble Gas Isotopes in Mineral Springs within the 

Cascadia Forearc, Washington and Oregon

By Patricia A. McCrory, James E. Constantz, and Andrew G. Hunt

Introduction

This U.S. Geological Survey report presents laboratory analyses along with field notes 

for a pilot study to document the relative abundance of noble gases in mineral springs within the 

Cascadia forearc of Washington and Oregon (fig. 1). Estimates of the depth to the underlying 

Juan de Fuca oceanic plate beneath the sample sites are derived from the McCrory and others 

(2012) slab model. Some of these springs have been previously sampled for chemical analyses 

(Mariner and others, 2006), but none currently have publicly available noble gas data. Helium 

isotope values as well as the noble gas values and ratios presented below will be used to 

determine the sources and mixing history of these mineral waters.
2

Figure 1. Map showing location of mineral spring sites with respect to Juan de Fuca plate model of 

McCrory and others (2012) and the location of the forearc mantle corner (McCrory and others, 2014). 

Iso-depth contours of the Juan de Fuca slab are in kilometers below surface. Thick dashed line denotes 

forearc mantle corner; labeled blue diamonds denote mineral spring sites; red triangles denote Cascade 

arc volcanoes. Transverse Mercator projection, WGS84 datum, standard parallel -128°, centered at 

46.8°N, -128°W, with standard parallel rotated 3° clockwise of vertical (plate boundaries modified from 

Wilson, 2002).
3

Methods

Field

Water samples were collected from the mineral and soda springs in copper tubes that are 

pinched shut at each end with metal clamps. We first established siphon flow through Tygon®

tubing attached to both ends of an 18-in. length of copper tubing. The copper tube was tilted so 

that water flowed vertically upward during collection. We then gently tapped the outside of the 

copper tube just before tightening the downstream clamp to release any bubbles that might be 

stuck to the inside wall of the tube. The nuts on the downstream clamp were slowly tightened 

using a torque wrench set to 10 ft-lbs. After the downstream clamp was closed, we closed the 

upstream clamp. Finally, we removed the Tygon® tubes, filled both ends of the copper tube with 

spring water, and sealed the ends with rubber caps.

Sample site locations and elevations were determined with a handheld GPS device that 

utilizes horizontal and vertical WGS84 datums.

Analytical

Gas analyses were performed in the U.S Geological Survey Noble Gas Laboratory in 

Denver, Colorado. Gas samples were released into an ultra-low vacuum extraction line (<5×10-9

torr) and passed through a set of ethanol/dry ice slush (approximately -72 oC) traps to remove 

water vapor. The volume of dry gas was measured with a calibrated capacitance manometer and 

an aliquot was introduced to a quadrupole mass spectrometer for analysis of bulk gas (hydrogen, 

methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide). The remaining gas was exposed to a STS-101 getter 

heated to 350 oC to remove reactive-gas components, leaving a mixed sample of the noble gases. 

An aliquot of the purified gas was admitted to a MAP-215-50 magnetic-sector mass spectrometer 

for analysis of argon, krypton, and xenon (36Ar, 38Ar, 40Ar, 84Kr, 86Kr, 130Xe, and 132Xe), while 

the remaining gas was cryogenically separated and analyzed for both helium (3He and 4He) and 

neon isotopes (20Ne, 21Ne, and 22Ne). Gas from dissolved gas samples was separated using a gas 

extraction bulb connected to the ultra-low vacuum line. Each sample was introduced to the 

extraction bulb under vacuum and exposed to 15 minutes of agitation in an ultrasonic bath at 30 o

C to promote complete extraction of dissolved gas. The extracted gas was then analyzed using 

the same method described above and presented as total elemental composition rather than 

isotopic composition. The resulting gas concentrations are based on the calibrated responses of 

the mass spectrometers and total volume of extracted gas. Noble gas solubilities were derived 

from Weiss (1970, 1971), Weiss and Kyser (1970), and Benson and Krause (1976).
4

Mineral Spring Sites Sampled for Noble Gas Isotopes

Sol Duc Mineral Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington

Bogachiel Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2012. Juan de 

Fuca slab depth approximately 33 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err Ne 1σ err Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-7) (ccSTP/g × 10-4) ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Sol Duc 1.295 0.06 0.55 0.02 0.88 0.01 1.51 0.02 3.58 0.07

ASW at 5°C 1.53 2.00 4.11 9.96

ASW at 46°C 0.76 1.46 1.90 3.78

ASW at 80°C 0.50 1.11 1.16 2.18

ASW

Water sample Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Sol Duc 0.32 0.01 9.83 0.023 294.4 1.4 0.306 0.002 0.147 0.003

ASW at 5°C 1.49

ASW at 46°C 0.46

ASW at 80°C 0.17

ASW 9.8 295.5 0.300 0.150

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperatures at an elevation of 1,600 ft; no salinity correction 

was applied to the gas solubility data.

2. Samples do not calculate back to a single solubility temperature, represent a mix of colder and warmer water that 

has been heated, and is degassing at the pool interface.
5

20120823-01 PMc (water)

N 47° 58.125' W 123° 51.793'

Elevation: 1,629 ft

Water temperature: approximately 49.8 °C

Specific conductance: 334 μS/cm

The main mineral spring at this site feeds commercially run soaking pools within the Olympic 

National Park.

The operations manager of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort opened the wooden cover to the mineral 

spring source. The water level was about 10 ft below deck level, however, too deep for siphon 

sampling. Instead, the water sample was drawn from a hose connected to the spring (after letting 

water run from hose for about 5 minutes). Sample collected using siphon feed. 

This mineral spring has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Roland Tabor (June 

1970), and by Robert Mariner and William Evans (July 1977) as reported in Mariner and others 

(2006).
6

Olympic Mineral Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington 

Mount Carrie 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2012. Juan de 

Fuca slab depth approximately 35 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err Ne 1σ err Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-7) (ccSTP/g × 10-4) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Olympic #4 0.860 0.04 0.66 0.02 0.91 0.01 2.16 0.03 5.17 0.1

ASW at 5°C 1.53 2.00 4.11 9.96

ASW at 46°C 0.76 1.46 1.90 3.78

ASW at 80°C 0.50 1.11 1.16 2.18

ASW

Water sample Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Olympic #4 0.33 0.01 9.86 0.023 295.9 1.4 0.306 0.002 0.154 0.003

ASW at 5°C 1.49

ASW at 46°C 0.46

ASW at 80°C 0.17

ASW 9.8 295.5 0.300 0.150

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperatures at an elevation of 1,600 ft; no salinity correction 

was applied to the gas solubility data.

2. Samples do not calculate back to a single solubility temperature, represent a mix of colder and warmer water that 

has been heated, and is degassing at the pool interface.
7

20120824-01 PMc (water)

N 47° 58.582’ W 123° 41.3039’ ±19 ft

Elevation: 2,177±4 ft

Water temperature: approximately 45.8 °C

Specific conductance: 290 μS/cm

A series of at least six mineral springs seep from the hillside along a trail within Olympic 

National Park. Public road access to the trailhead was closed in 2012 because of ongoing dam 

removal on the upper Elwah River (otherwise hikers would likely have been soaking in the hot 

springs). A park ranger unlocked the gate above the ranger station and arranged for road access 

past the dam removal site to the trailhead. The springs are located about a 45-minute hike from 

the trailhead.

Water temperature and specific conductance were measured for each of six springs, and the 

hottest spring was sampled. This spring also had the most gas bubbles venting from bottom of its 

pool. Our initial attempt to sample gas bubbles proved to be unsuccessful as too few bubbles 

discharged from the bottom of the pool, and from variable spots at irregular intervals. Sample 

collected using siphon feed.

This mineral spring has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Roland Tabor (June 

1969), and by Robert Mariner and William Evans (July 1977) as reported in Mariner and others 

(2006).
8

Well #67, Jackson Prairie Natural Gas Storage Facility, Washington 

Jackson Prairie 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2012. Juan de 

Fuca slab depth approximately 47 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err Ne 1σ err Ar 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-7) (ccSTP/g × 10-4)

Mary’s Corner 1.917 0.6 0.518 0.89

ASW at 20°C 1.17 18.17 3.06

Water sample Kr 1σ err Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err 21Ne/22Ne 1σ err

ccSTP/g × 10-8) ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Mary’s Corner 2.0 0.28 9.841 0.028

ASW at 20°C 6.84 0.93

Water sample 38Ar/36Ar 1σ err 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Mary’s Corner 0.216 299.4 0.304 0.154

ASW at 20°C

Gas sample H2 1σ err CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err C2H6 1σ err

(ccSTP/cc) (ccSTP/cc) (ccSTP/cc) (ccSTP/c)

Mary’s Corner <0.002 0.583 0.414 <0.002

Gas sample O2 1σ err CO2 1σ err 20Ne 1σ err 40Ar 1σ err

(ccSTP/cc) ccSTP/cc)

Mary’s Corner <0.003 <0.002 28 227

Gas sample 84Kr 1σ err 132Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err 21Ne/22Ne 1σ err

Mary’s Corner 19.98 1.22 9.698 0.0304

Gas sample 38Ar/36Ar 1σ err 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Mary’s Corner 0.182 463.2 0.299 0.154

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperature at an elevation of 500 ft.

2. Gas sample 50 percent methane. Gas sample contains excess 40Ar; excess 40Ar masked in water sample by the 

water. Gas sample contains a little excess 20Ne; excess Neon not seen in the water sample. Almost no CO2. N/Ar 

value not the best.

3. 1σ error for noble gases is approximately 1–2 percent.
9

20120826-01 PMc (water)

N 46° 32.711’ W 122° 49.474'

Elevation: 527 ft

Water temperature: approximately 32.2 °C

Specific conductance: 40.3 μS/cm

We initially met with the Jackson Prairie Natural Gas Storage Facility manager, then followed 

one of the reservoir operators to Well #67. This well has a small storage tank on top. The 

reservoir operator opened the lower valve on the tank to release groundwater. He let the water 

flow for a few minutes to bleed pressure in the tank. Even so, the water sample contained a fair 

amount of gas bubbles. We then measured water temperature and specific conductance. The 

water and gas samples come from marine sandstone layers at a depth of approximately 600 m in 

the Chehalis sedimentary basin. Note, noble gas abundances reflect a mixture of local and distant 

sources as methane is piped from western Canada and Rocky Mountain sources, and injected 

into the Chehalis Basin for seasonal storage.

20120826-02 PMc (gas)

After collecting the water sample, the reservoir operator opened the upper nozzle on the storage 

tank to collect a gas sample. This required two attempts as the gas was under about 60 lbs of 

pressure and blew the hose off the sampling device on the first attempt to tighten the downstream 

clamp.

This well has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Ivan Barnes (September 1983),

and by Rodney Caldwell and Steve Hinkle (1993) as reported in Mariner and others (2006).
10

Pigeon Mineral Spring, Washington 

Georges Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2013. Juan de 

Fuca slab depth approximately 53 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err O2 1σ err Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Pigeon <0.02 1.75 <0.02 0.45

ASW at 20°C 1.17 18.17

Water sample Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-4) (ccSTP/g × 10-8) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Pigeon 0.55 2.29 0.57 10.62

ASW at 20°C 0.306 6.84 0.93

Water sample 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Pigeon 378.6 0.306 0.150

ASW at 20°C

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperature at an elevation of 500 ft.

2. Only minor CO2 noted.

3. 1σ error for noble gases is approximately 1–2 percent.
11

20130819-01 PMc (water)

N 46° 03.098’ W 122° 37.369’ ±19 ft

Elevation: 518 ft

Water temperature: approximately 14 °C

Specific conductance: 334 μS/cm

This mineral spring is situated at the site of a former hotel built in 1906 for supposed healing 

properties of water. The mineral water was also bottled and sold for medicinal purposes. In late 

summer the spring has a slow seep rate. Spring water collects behind low concrete wall, which 

overflows and drains to the Kalama River, Washington. Water sample collected using siphon 

feed.

This mineral spring has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Ivan Barnes and 

William Evans (April 1980), by Robert Mariner and William Evans (July 1980), by Ivan Barnes 

(November 1980), by Robert Mariner (July 1986), and by Rodney Caldwell (1993) as reported in 

Mariner and others (2006).
12

Boswell Mineral Springs, Oregon 

Drain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2013. Juan de Fuca slab 

depth approximately 39 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err O2 1σ err Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-2) (ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Boswell 3.69 2.401 <0.02 4.32

ASW at 20°C 1.17 18.17

Water sample Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) ccSTP/g × 10-8) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Boswell 0.138 3.94 0.67 9.91

ASW at 20°C 0.306 6.84 0.93

Water sample 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Boswell 302.3 0.305 0.153

ASW at 20°C

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperature at an elevation of 500 ft.

2. Light noble gases stripped; CH4 noted; nitrogen rich sample.

3. 1σ error for noble gases is approximately 1–2 percent.
13

20130821-01 PMc (water)

N 43° 38.424’ W 123° 18.0669’

Elevation: 340 ft 

Water temperature: approximately 10 °C

This mineral spring is situated at the site of a former hunting lodge built in early 1900s (with 

train access only) for supposed healing properties of water. The mineral water was also bottled 

and sold for medicinal purposes. The spring water collects in a concrete cistern, which overflows 

into a field that drains to Elk Creek, Oregon. Water sample collected using siphon feed. [Note, 

another spring collects in a man-made pond at a higher elevation. Water from the pond is filtered 

by double osmosis for drinking purposes.]

No known water samples previously collected from this mineral spring.
14

Cascadia Soda Spring, Cascadia State Park, Oregon 

Cascadia 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2013. Juan de Fuca 

slab depth approximately 59 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err O2 1σ err Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g× 10-3) (ccSTP/g× 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Cascadia <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 1.94

ASW at 20°C 1.17 18.17

Water sample Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Cascadia 0.041 1.11 0.2 9.99

ASW at 20°C 0.306 6.84 0.93

Water sample 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Cascadia 293.8 0.306 0.153

ASW at 20°C

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperature at an elevation of 500 ft.

2. Noble gases stripped by CO2; very large bubble of CO2 noted in bulk gas analysis. Note, we measured CO2 but do 

not report its value here because it represents a combination of dissolved CO2 and total inorganic carbon (DIC) that 

back reacts during sample extraction.

3. 1σ error for noble gases is approximately 1–2 percent.
15

20130823-01 PMc (water)

N 44° 23.957’ W 122° 28.816’

Elevation: 921 ft

Water temperature: approximately 18°C

This soda spring is situated at the site of a former hotel built in early 1900s for supposed healing 

properties of water. The spring is now contained within a state park. A park ranger opened the 

spring for access. The spring water collects in a metal cylinder, which seeps into Soda Creek, 

Oregon. We first attempted to collect a water sample using siphon feed, but the flow rate is 

extremely slow. Sample collected using syringe with a cloth to filter out fine red precipitate.

This soda spring has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Robert Mariner 

(September 1985) as reported in Mariner and others (2006).
16

Sodaville Mineral Spring, Sodaville Park, Oregon

Waterloo 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2013. Juan de Fuca 

slab depth approximately 48 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err O2 1σ err Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Sodaville <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 16.91

ASW at 20°C 1.17 18.17

Water sample Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Sodaville 0.287 6.64 0.93 9.82

ASW at 20°C 0.306 6.84 0.93

Water sample 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Sodaville 296.2 0.304 0.15

ASW at 20°C

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperature at an elevation of 500 ft.

2. Noble gases stripped by CO2; very large bubble of CO2 noted in bulk gas analysis. Note, we measured CO2 but 

do not report its value here because it represents a combination of dissolved CO2 and total inorganic Carbon (DIC) 

that back reacts during sample extraction.

3. 1σ error for noble gases is approximately 1–2 percent.
17

0130823-02 PMc (water)

N 44° 29.057’ W 122° 52.126’

Elevation: 478 ft

Water temperature: approximately 16°C

This mineral spring is situated at the site of a former hotel built in early 1900s for supposed 

healing properties of water. The spring is now contained within a town park. Spring water 

collects in a cistern, which overflows through metal pipe. Flow rate is about 1 L/min. Sample 

collected using siphon feed. Note, Sodaville water manager offered to open the cistern (within 

the adjacent shed), but the overflow pipe seemed adequate for sample collection.

This mineral spring has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Robert Mariner and 

William Evans (September 1977) as reported in Mariner and others (2006).
18

Wilhoit Soda Spring, Wilhoit County Park, Oregon

Wilhoit 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map. Sampled August 2013. Juan de Fuca slab 

depth approximately 56 km.

[Microsoft® Excel file of this table is available for download at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1064/]

Water sample CH4 1σ err N2 1σ err O2 1σ err Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Sodaville <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.87

ASW at 20°C 1.17 18.17

Water sample Ar 1σ err Kr 1σ err Xe 1σ err 20Ne/22Ne 1σ err

(ccSTP/g × 10-3) (ccSTP/g × 10-8) (ccSTP/g × 10-8)

Sodaville 0.016 1.19 0.27 10.14

ASW at 20°C 0.306 6.84 0.93

Water sample 40Ar/36Ar 1σ err 86Kr/84Kr 1σ err 130Xe/132Xe 1σ err

Sodaville 301.8 0.308 0.145

ASW at 20°C

Run notes:

1. ASW (Air Saturated Water) computed for listed temperature at an elevation of 500 ft.

2. Noble gases stripped by CO2; very large bubble of CO2 noted in bulk gas analysis. Note, we measured CO2 but 

do not report its value here because it represents a combination of dissolved CO2 and total inorganic carbon (DIC) 

that back reacts during sample extraction.

3. 1σ error for noble gases is approximately 1–2 percent.
19

20130823-03 PMc (water)

N 45° 03.141’ W 122° 34.094’

Elevation: 728 ft

Water temperature: approximately 18 °C

This soda spring is situated at the site of a former hotel built in early 1900s for supposed healing 

properties of water. People still collect spring water to drink as it is now contained within a 

county park. Soda water collects in a metal cylinder, which overflows into Rock Creek, Oregon. 

Moderate flow rate. This spring releases large gas bubbles every few minutes. Collected using 

siphon feed. Some gas in water sample.

Note, this park also contains a ‘sulphur’ spring, with water obtained using an old-fashioned hand 

pump. The pump, however, was broken in 2013. No seepage observed between pump and 

stream.

This mineral spring has been previously sampled for chemical analyses by Robert Mariner and 

William Evans (September 1977) as reported in Mariner and others (2006).
20

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Olympic National Park in Washington and the Cascadia, 

Sodaville, and Wilhoit Parks in Oregon for providing access to mineral and soda springs within 

their parks. We would also like to thank those private landowners who permitted access to 

mineral springs on their land in Washington and Oregon, namely, William Rountree and his 

neighbors, John and Martha Oyala, and Johna Cook, as well as the Jackson Prairie Natural Gas 

Storage Facility, Washington. We also would like to thank Robert Mariner and William Evans 

for assistance in locating remote mineral springs. Review comments by William Evans and 

Patrick Dobson improved this contribution.

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gases: Journal of Chemical Physics, v. 64, p. 689–709.

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and gas from hydrothermal systems with an emphasis for the western United States: U.S. 

Geological Survey Data Series 169, http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/169/.

McCrory, P.A., Blair, J.L., Waldhauser, Felix, and Oppenheimer, D.H., 2012, Juan de Fuca slab 

geometry and its relation to Wadati-Benioff zone seismicity: Journal of Geophysical Research, 

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