Hydrogeochemical exploration of the Tecuamburro Volcano region, Guatemala
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
Approximately 100 thermal and nonthermal water samples and 20 gas samples from springs and fumaroles have been chemically and isotopically analyzed to help evaluate the geothermal potential of the Tecuamburro Volcano region, Guatemala. Thermal waters of the acid- sulfate, steam condensate, and neutral-chloride types generally occur in restricted hydrogeologic areas: Tecuamburro-Laguna Ixpaco (acid- sulfate); andesite highland north of Tecuamburro (steam-condensate); Rio Los Esclavos (neutral-chloride). One small area of neutral-chloride springs east of the village of Los Esclavos has no relation to the Tecuamburro geothermal system. Neutral-chloride springs on the Rio Los Esclavos east and southeast of Tecuamburro show mixing with various types of groundwaters and display a maximum oxygen-18 enrichment compared to the world meteoric line of only about 1.5 parts per thousand. Maximum estimated subsurface temperatures are {le}200{degree}C. In contrast, maximum estimated subsurface temperatures based on gas compositions in the Laguna Ixpaco area are about 300{degree}C. The relation of neutral-chloride waters to the overall Tecuamburro geothermal system is not entirely resolved but we have suggested two system models. Regardless of model, we believe that a first exploration drill hole should be sited within 0.5 km of Laguna Ixpaco to tap the main geothermal reservoir or its adjacent, main upflow zone. 9 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- LANL
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5621914
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-89-1971; CONF-891031-1; ON: DE89014254
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Annual meeting of the Geothermal Resources Council, Santa Rosa, CA (USA), 1-4 Oct 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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EVALUATION
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
SAMPLING
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
GUATEMALA
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
VOLCANOES
CENTRAL AMERICA
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
FLUIDS
LATIN AMERICA
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Geothermal Legacy