Zaure Atabekova

Dr. Zaure Atabekova


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 April 2026 in Water
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BKBalnur Kismelyeva
Balnur Kismelyeva
AKAisulu Kalitova
Aisulu Kalitova
DKDulat Kalitov
Dulat Kalitov
VZVyachaslav Zavaley
Vyachaslav Zavaley
YAYergali Auelkhan
Yergali Auelkhan
ZAZaure Atabekova
Zaure Atabekova
This study characterizes the hydrochemistry and geochemical signature of the Upper Cretaceous geothermal aquifer in the Zharkunak zone (Eastern Ili Depression, SE Kazakhstan) using certified analytical datasets from five deep wells (5539, 1-RT, 3-T, 1-TP, and 2-TP). The waters are hyperthermal (89–103 °C), alkaline (pH 8.1–9.0), and weakly mineralized (TDS 0.3–1.0 g/L), with sodium-dominated facies ranging from Na–HCO3–SO4 to Na–SO4–Cl. Hydrochemical analysis indicates that water–rock interaction and cation exchange are the primary controls on fluid evolution, with limited influence from evaporation or external salinity sources. Elevated fluoride (up to ~10 mg/L) and dissolved silica (H2SiO3, often >50 mg/L) reflect prolonged high-temperature interaction with silicate-rich lithologies under low Ca2+ conditions. Trace elements and radon activity (up to 0.32 nCi/L) further support deep, fault-controlled circulation pathways. PHREEQC modeling indicates near-equilibrium to slight supersaturation with respect to silica phases, suggesting a potential risk of silica scaling during cooling, while carbonate scaling remains limited. Although the dataset is based on discharge conditions from a limited number of wells, the results demonstrate that the Zharkunak system has strong geothermal utilization potential, with management considerations related to fluoride, radon, and silica scaling. Future work should focus on integrating isotopic analyses and reactive transport modeling to better constrain subsurface processes and long-term system behavior.