Chemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids within the Baca Geothermal Reservoir, Valles Caldera, New Mexico

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Journal Article: Chemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids within the Baca Geothermal Reservoir, Valles Caldera, New Mexico

Abstract

Geochemical and isotopic fluid data from 10 wells completed in the Baca geothermal reservoir indicate the presence of both a normal enthalpy, lower-chloride fluid and an excess enthalpy, higher-chloride fluid. This chemical difference, along with enrichment of deuterium and oxygen 18 in the excess enthalpy fluid, can be explained by adiabatic cooling or boiling at 170°C during upward convection along the central fault system in the reservoir followed by conductive reheating during downward movement. Chemical modeling using the EQ3NR computer code indicates chemical stability with the mineral assemblage quartz, albite, K-mica, epidote, chlorite, calcite, anhydrite, and pyrite, which is in agreement with observed minerals in well cuttings. This correlation, along with chemical geothermometers, implies a constant temperature range of 260°-320°C during evolution of the reservoir.

Author 

Art F. White

Published Journal 

Journal of Geophysical Research, 1986

DOI 

10.1029/JB091iB02p01855

Online 

Internet link for Chemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids within the Baca Geothermal Reservoir, Valles Caldera, New Mexico

Citation

Art F. White. 1986. Chemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids within the Baca Geothermal Reservoir, Valles Caldera, New Mexico. Journal of Geophysical Research. 91(B2):1855-1866.

Related Geothermal Exploration Activities

Activities (2)

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

Areas (1)

1. Valles Caldera - Redondo Geothermal Area

Regions (0)