Evaluation of the Geochemistry in the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer: Finding Flow Paths

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the historical water chemistry data in the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer to better understand the flows paths. Out of the 2,927 samples only 74 contained complete analyses. 359 samples were used to evaluate the water chemistry. Using chloride as a conservative tracer, brine mixing from petroleum reservoirs would account for less than 0.1% of the water composition for 97 percent of the 359 analyses. Equilibrium between ground water and calcite can explain the calcium magnesium ratio for large areas of the Arbuckle and Tishimingo anticlines. This indicates unusual geochemistry in the area that should be studied in greater depth. Cation exchange cannot be excluded as a potential mechanism for altering the water chemistry of the waters of the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer. However, it does not appear to be a dominant mechanism for the majority of the waters.