Stable Isotope and Chemical Data for Volcanic Thermal Waters in Rabaul Caldera

Rabaul caldera in Papua New Guinea is the location for this dataset of stable isotope (D/H and O18/O16) and chemical analyses of thermal waters and fumarolic exhalations. The data, sourced from the Australian Ocean Data Network, was used to investigate the origin of geothermal fluids, suggesting a mixed source of meteoric and marine water. The conclusions drawn from the isotope data are noted to conflict in part with previous interpretations based on anion ratios and trace metals.

Use Cases

• Modeling geothermal fluid mixing processes based on stable isotope ratios mentioned in the description.
• Investigating water-rock interaction and leaching potential based on reported Fe, Mn, and Zn values.
• Comparing isotopic and chemical tracers for determining fluid origins, as the description notes conflicting conclusions from different methods.
• Studying the influence of local geology on geothermal water chemistry, referenced by the porous and chemically reactive rocks.

Strengths

• Stable isotope data (D/H and O18/O16) are grouped into distinct areas relative to the meteoric water line, providing a clear analytical framework.
• The description provides a specific scientific conclusion regarding the mixed meteoric and marine origin of the thermal waters.
• Analysis includes both shoreline and inland thermal systems, allowing for spatial comparison of fluid sources.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the specific study sites in Matupi Harbour and Sulphur Creek.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Chemical and stable isotope analysis of water and gas samples.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-05 07:13:58.540407; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Rabaul caldera, New Britain, Papua New Guinea (specifically Matupi Harbour, Sulphur Creek, Tavurvur, and Rabalankaia volcanoes)