Hydrogeochemistry and isotopic assessment of a new geothermal prospect in rancho Nuevo (Guanajuato-Central Mexico)
Mexico has five high-temperature geothermal fields, three of which are located in an active volcanic arc known as the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in central Mexico. In this geological province, there are numerous hot springs, many of which have not been studied yet. It is the case of the Rancho Nuev...
Saved in:
Published in | Journal of geochemical exploration Vol. 253; p. 107294 |
---|---|
Main Authors | , , , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Elsevier B.V
01.10.2023
|
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
Summary: | Mexico has five high-temperature geothermal fields, three of which are located in an active volcanic arc known as the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in central Mexico. In this geological province, there are numerous hot springs, many of which have not been studied yet. It is the case of the Rancho Nuevo area, which is composed of two hot springs and thermal groundwater wells. The present study focuses on the hydrogeochemical and isotopic characterization of the Rancho Nuevo geothermal system. According to the results cationic exchange, silicates and carbonates rock alteration processes are occurring. A cooling of thermal water is also carried out caused by a mixing process between deep Na-Cl type water and shallow Na-HCO3. In addition, the most relevant process identified in the study area is the water-rock interaction and corroborated by the stable isotope results showing enrichment of δ18O. All these processes are enhanced by the thermal activity in the region. The CO2 and N2 concentrations confirm the geothermal activity in the Rancho Nuevo area. The CH4 concentration is also typical of geothermal fluids and may represent a magma degassing.
Finally, the reservoir temperature was estimated at 225 °C ± 15 °C based on silica, cation, and integrated multicomponent solute geothermometers. Therefore, the Rancho Nuevo geothermal area can be defined as a high-temperature system and as a very interesting prospect; however, for geothermal resource production, the calcium carbonate deposition in the wells shall be considered.
•Rancho Nuevo is a geothermal system with a reservoir temperature of ∼225 °C.•There are mainly two families of water: bicarbonate and Na-Cl water type.•The Na-Cl deep water has a magmatic component.•Silicate and carbonate rocks alteration is enhanced by the circulation of hot fluids.•Potential CaCO3 deposition (well scaling) could happen if the field is exploited. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 0375-6742 1879-1689 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.gexplo.2023.107294 |