Hydrogeology of the vicinity of Homestake mine, South Dakota, USA

Murdoch, Lawrence C.; Germanovich, L. N.; Wang, Herb; Onstott, Tullis C.; Elsworth, Derek; Stetler, Larry D.; Boutt, D. F.

doi:10.1007/s10040-011-0773-7

Cited by 20 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Previous geochemical and geomicrobiological work at SURF has focused on the ore formation and emplacement (Caddey, 1991;Morelli et al, 2010;Steadman and Large, 2016), hydrology (Murdoch et al, 2011;Kennedy et al, 2015), and geomicrobiology of mine biofilms and soils largely in the context of bioprospecting (Rastogi et al, 2009(Rastogi et al, , 2010(Rastogi et al, , 2013Waddell et al, 2010). In 2013 the NASA Astrobiology Institute Team Life Underground began work at SURF, characterizing geochemistry, microbiology, and redox reaction energetics at key sites with an eye toward habitability (Osburn et al, 2014).…”

Section: The Sanford Underground Research Facility (Surf)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Establishment of the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO), South Dakota, USA, a Geochemically Stable Portal Into the Deep Subsurface

et al. 2019

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Identifying temporal trends in deep subsurface geomicrobiology is challenging as it requires both in-depth knowledge of in situ geochemistry and innovative sampling techniques. Subsurface microbial dynamics can only be understood in the context of accompanying geochemistry, and thus, it is imperative to first characterize available microbial habitats and their temporal evolution. Also, samples must be acquired in a clean and consistent manner to avoid artifacts stemming from surface microbes, atmospheric contamination, or external temporal variability. To facilitate these ends, we established the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO) in the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), Lead, SD, USA to sample naturally draining fracture fluids at six spatially distributed sites from the shallowest (800 ft) to the deepest accessible (4,850 ft) depths. Here we report on the installation and subsequent two-year aqueous geochemical monitoring campaign of the DeMMO network. DeMMO fluids have distinct geochemical compositions showing differences with respect to depth, proximity to mine workings, and host rock geology. Most measurements were remarkably stable through the two-year sampling window, illustrating temporal stability of the water sources to each site, including over induced perturbations such as drilling. Interestingly, there was a lack of seasonality even at shallowest sites, indicating limited direct communication with modern meteoric waters. Patterns of fluid geochemistry are distinct between sites, and largely predictable based upon our understanding of the lithology and inorganic geochemistry of the host rocks. Thermodynamic calculations suggest that both inorganic and organic redox reactions can yield energy to, respectively, lithotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms in this system, although the yields vary considerably by site. We conclude that each DeMMO site represents a unique window into the deep subsurface of SURF, accessing distinct fluid pockets, aqueous geochemistry, and dissolved gas geochemistry-providing stable conditions that facilitate long-term habitation of subsurface fractures and water pockets by distinct microbial communities.

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Section: The Sanford Underground Research Facility (Surf)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Establishment of the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO), South Dakota, USA, a Geochemically Stable Portal Into the Deep Subsurface

et al. 2019

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“…The facility's tunnels provide access, maximally 4,850 ft (1,478 m) below ground surface (bgs), to deep subsurface fluids through a network of manifolds. The residence times of the accessible fluids range from very recent in the shallowest levels to much older (>10,000 years) fluids reaching the deeper levels (Murdoch et al, 2012;Osburn et al, 2014). The mine was converted to a state-run science facility in 2011, with emphasis on rare-process physics (Heise, 2015), and this accessible infrastructure provided a remarkable portal for in situ studies of the deep terrestrial biosphere.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In situ Electrochemical Studies of the Terrestrial Deep Subsurface Biosphere at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, South Dakota, USA

et al. 2019

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“…After pumping ceased in June 2003 [7,8], the mine filled with water until a high-water mark of 1381 meters (4530 feet) below surface was reached in August 2008. Sustained pumping resumed in June 2008, dropping the water level below the 4850-foot level (4850L) by May 2009, after being flooded for an estimated 16 months.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

The Sanford Underground Research Facility at Homestake

Heise¹

2015

J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.

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Hydrogeology of the vicinity of Homestake mine, South Dakota, USA

Cited by 20 publications

References 28 publications

Establishment of the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO), South Dakota, USA, a Geochemically Stable Portal Into the Deep Subsurface

Establishment of the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO), South Dakota, USA, a Geochemically Stable Portal Into the Deep Subsurface

In situ Electrochemical Studies of the Terrestrial Deep Subsurface Biosphere at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, South Dakota, USA

The Sanford Underground Research Facility at Homestake

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