Tecuamburro Volcano, Guatemala: Exploration geothermal gradient drilling and results
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Abstract
Results of geological, volcanological, hydrogeochemical, and geophysical field studies conducted in 1988 and 1989 at the Tecuamburro geothermal site, Guatemala, indicate that there is a substantial shallow heat source beneath the area of youngest volcanism. Gases from acid-sulfate springs near Laguna Ixpaco consistently yield maximum estimated subsurface temperatures of 300°C. To obtain information on subsurface temperatures and temperature gradients, stratigraphy, fracturing, hydrothermal alteration, and hydrothermal fluids, a geothermal gradient core hole (TCB-1) was drilled to 808 m low on the northern flank of the Tecuamburro Volcano complex. The hole is located 300 m south of a 300m-diameter phreatic crater. Laguna Ixpaco, dated at 2910 years. TCB-1 temperature logs do not indicate isothermal conditions at depth and the calculated thermal gradient from 500–800 m is 230°C/km. Bottom hole temperature is close to 240°C. Calculated heat flow values are around 350–400 mW/m2. Fluid-inclusion and secondary-alteration studies indicate that veins and secondary minerals were formed at temperatures equal to or slightly less than present temperatures; thus, the Tecuamburro geothermal system may still be heating up. The integration of results from the TCB-1 gradient core hole with results from field studies provides strong evidence that the Tecuamburro area holds great promise for geothermal resource development.
Study Area
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | Tecuamburro Volcano, Guatemala: Exploration geothermal gradient drilling and results |
Series title | Geothermics |
DOI | 10.1016/0375-6505(92)90003-R |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 4 |
Year Published | 1992 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Description | 20 p. |
First page | 483 |
Last page | 502 |
Country | Guatemala |
Other Geospatial | Tecuamburro Volcano |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |