Direct-Use geothermal energy to trigger economic development in New Mexico

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Geotherm. Energy Mag.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6934237

Icerman, L

A major geological feature, known as the Rio Grande Rift, bisects New Mexico in a north-south direction. The rift, which began to form 30 million years ago and whose structure is still developing, is characterized by east-west crustal extensions, complex faulting, recent volcanism, and high heat flow. A series of deep sedimentary basins within the rift serves as a natural channel for the Rio Grande. Crossing the Rio Grand Rift beneath the Jemez Mountains is another prominent crustal flaw that extends northeast and southwest across nearly the entire width of the state. Numerous young volcanic centers along this Jemez crustal lineament and the Rio Grande Rift provide a clear indication of a high potential for geothermal energy. Hot springs and geothermal resources exist throughout the rift and along the lineament. This widespread resource availability matches well with the distribution of energy-consuming population centers that have developed naturally along the Rio Grande. More than 300 known thermal springs and wells are found in New Mexico, primarily concentrated within and to the west of the Rio Grande Rift. Some of the better known hot springs, such as Ojo Caliente, Jemez Springs, Gila, Las Vegas, and Faywood Hot Springs, were first and still a prominent use of geothermal resources in New Mexico. Most of the state extending west from the rift exhibits characteristics associated with geothermal energy potential, namely, active extensional tectonics, recent volcanism, seismic activity, hydrothermal alteration, and high heat flow. This region contains eight known Geothermal Resource Areas, as defined by the U.S. Geological Survey, and eleven Known Geothermal Resource Fields as defined by the State Land Office.

• Research Organization: Energy Inst., New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces, NM
• OSTI ID: 6934237
• Journal Information: Geotherm. Energy Mag.; (United States), Journal Name: Geotherm. Energy Mag.; (United States) Vol. 11:4; ISSN GTEMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150100* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
HEAT FLOW
HOT SPRINGS
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES
RIO GRANDE RIFT
SEISMIC EVENTS
SURVEYS
TECTONICS
THERMAL SPRINGS
USA
VOLCANIC REGIONS
WATER SPRINGS