Geochemistry and isotope chemistry of Michigan Basin brines: Devonian formations

Detailed chemical and isotope analysis of 87 formation waters collected from six Devonian-aged units in the Michigan Basin are presented and discussed in terms of the origin of the dissolved components and the water. Total dissolved solids in these waters range from 200,000 to >400,000mg/1. Upper Devonian formations produce dominantly NaCaCl brine, while deeper formations produce CaNaCl water. Ratios of Cl/Br and Na/Br along with divalent cation content (MCl2), indicate that these brines are derived from evapo-concentrated seawater. Other ion concentrations appear to be extensively modified from seawater values by water-rock reactions. The most important reactions are dolomitization, which explains the Ca content of the brines, and reactions involving aluminosilicate minerals. Stable isotope (δ18O and δD) compositions indicate that water molecules in the deeper formations are derived from primary concentrated seawater. Isotope enrichment by exchange with carbonates and perhaps gypsum cannot be discounted. Isotope values indicate water in the Upper Devonian formations is a mixture of seawater brine diluted with meteoric-derived water. Dilution has predominantly occurred in basin margins. Two scenarios are presented for the origin of the brines in the Devonian formations: (1) they originated when the Devonian sediments and evaporites were first deposited; or (2) they are residual brine liberated from the deeper Devonian and possibly Silurian salt deposits.

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