Analytical Modeling At Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area (White, 1986)

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

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Exploration Activity: Analytical Modeling At Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area (White, 1986)

Exploration Activity Details
Location	Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area
Exploration Technique	Analytical Modeling
Activity Date	- 1986
Usefulness	not indicated
DOE-funding	Unknown

Exploration Basis

Geochemical and isotopic fluid data from 10 wells were used to better understand the fluid compostion and thermal history of the Redonodo (Baca) geothermal reservoir.

Notes

Results indicate the presence of a normal enthalpy, lower-chloride fluid and an excess enthalpy, higher-chloride fluid enriched in deuterium and 18O. These distinct chemical properties can be explained by adiabatic cooling or boiling of fluids at 170°C during upward convection along the central fault system in the reservoir, followed by conductive reheating during downward movement. Computer-based chemical modeling using the EQ3NR code indicates stability with the quartz-albite-K mica-epidote-chlorite-calcite-anhydrite-pyrite mineral assemblage, which is in agreement with observed minerals in well cuttings. Together, these results imply a constant temperature range of 260-320°C during evolution of the Redondo reservoir.

References

• Art F. White (1986) Chemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids within the Baca Geothermal Reservoir, Valles Caldera, New Mexico