Geophysical and Hydrogeochemical Aspects of Two Low-Temperature Geothermal Reservoirs Located in Central Mexico
Por:
Hernández Hernández M.A., Morán T.G.
Publicada:
1 ene 2023
Resumen:
Geothermal reservoirs (GR) are studied by geochemical techniques to estimate their potential to produce energy or alternate usages (thermal bathing, heating, greenhouses). This study focuses on two close (< 15 km) low-temperature GR, located in the northern portion of the Michoacan state (Mexico), called “Ixtlán de Los Hervores (IXT)” and “Los Negritos (LN).” A sampling campaign was performed in 2018 for physicochemical parameters, major ions, trace elements, stable water isotopes, and noble gas isotopes. Water classification in both sites is chlorinated sodium–potassium waters, corresponding to those close to heat sources. The Giggenbach ternary diagram (Cl–SO4–HCO3) depicts a certain degree of maturity in geothermal waters. In contrast, the Na–K–Mg ternary diagram evaluates the chemical equilibrium and the use of geothermometers, existing partial equilibrium with the hosting rock in both sites, with temperatures at a depth of 180–220 °C and 200–210 °C for IXT and LN. The estimated mean value of the temperature in each GR corresponds to medium to low temperature, with the potential for exploitation and generation of electrical energy through binary cycle plants. Isotopic results of water samples show a clear difference from the meteoric waters and a slight deviation to the right, corresponding to water–rock interaction processes. While noble gas isotopes (He, Ne) are non-reactive isotopes at high temperatures, they are commonly used for establishing the contributions of different sources (crustal, upper mantle, atmosphere) to the measured samples. The results show little atmospheric He and Ne presence, which might indicate a limited mixing of geothermal fluids at depth with more recently infiltrated water. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Filiaciones:
Hernández Hernández M.A.:
Investigador por México CONAHCYT - Geophysics Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Geophysics Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Morán T.G.:
Geophysics Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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