Clay mineral associations in the clay cap from the Cerro Pabellón blind geothermal system, Andean Cordillera, Northern Chile

Clay Minerals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.N. Maza ◽  
G. Collo ◽  
D. Morata ◽  
C. Lizana ◽  
E. Camus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clay Mineral ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
High Enthalpy ◽  
Andean Cordillera ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Mineral Associations ◽  
Hydrothermal Alteration Zones ◽  
Clay Cap

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of smectite-illite and smectite-chlorite minerals series was studied along a thick clay cap (~300 m) drilled in the Cerro Pabellón geothermal field (northern Andes, Chile). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the alteration mineralogy and clay mineral assemblages and their changes with depth. Cerro Pabellón is a high-enthalpy blind geothermal system, with a reservoir zone from ~500 m to 2000 m depth, with temperatures of 200–250°C. Three main hydrothermal alteration zones were identified: (1) argillic; (2) sub-propylitic, and (3) propylitic, with variable amounts of smectite, illite-smectite, chlorite-smectite, mixed-layer chlorite-corrensite, illite and chlorite appearing in the groundmass and filling amygdales and veinlets. Chemical and XRD data of smectites, I-S and illites show, with some exceptions, a progressive illitization with depth. The evolution of I-S with depth, shows a sigmoidal variation in the percentage of illite layers, with the conversion of smectite to R1 I-S at ~180–185°C. These temperatures are greater than those reported for other similar geothermal fields and might indicate, at least in part, the efficiency of the clay cap in terms of restricting the circulation of hydrothermal fluids in low-permeability rocks. Our results highlight the importance of a better understanding of clay-mineral evolution in active geothermal systems, not only as a direct (or indirect) way to control temperature evolution, but also as a control on permeability/porosity efficiency of the clay cap.

scholarly journals Chemical and isotopic characterization of the thermal fluids emerging along the North–Northeastern Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Dotsika ◽  
P. Dalampakis ◽  
E. Spyridonos ◽  
G. Diamantopoulos ◽  
P. Karalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
High Enthalpy ◽  
Thermal Fluids ◽  
The North ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
West Part ◽  
Distinct Source ◽  
Isotopic Characterization

AbstractHydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids from major geothermal fields of middle/low temperature in N/NE Greece are examined [basins: Strymon River (SR), Nestos River Delta (ND), Xanthi–Komotini (XK), Loutros–Feres–Soufli (LFS) and Rhodope Massif]. The geodynamic context is reflected to isotopic/chemical composition of fluids, heat flow values and elevated CO2 concentrations in emitted fluids. B and Li are derived from leaching of the geothermal systems hosting rocks. δ18OH2O, δ18OSO4, δ13CCO2 values and chemical compositions of Cl, B and Li of geothermal discharges suggest two distinct source fluids. Fluids in SR exhibit high B/Cl and Li/Cl ratios, suggesting these constituents are derived from associated magmas of intermediate composition (andesitic rocks). Geothermal discharges in LFS exhibit low B/Cl and Li/Cl ratios, implying acid (rhyolitic) magmatism. δ13CCO2 and CO2/(CO2 + 105He) ratios in the west part, suggest fluids affected by addition of volatiles released from subducted marine sediments. For the eastern systems, these ratios suggest gas encountered in systems issued from mixing of crustal and mantle-derived volatiles. Isotopic geothermometers reflect, for the same direction, equilibrium processes more (LFS, XK) or less (SR) pronounced and discriminate the geothermal field from low to middle [SR, ND (Erasmio)] and middle to high enthalpy [ND (Eratino), LFS, XK].

scholarly journals The Hydrothermal Alteration of the Cordón de Inacaliri Volcanic Complex in the Framework of the Hidden Geothermal Systems within the Pabelloncito Graben (Northern Chile)

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1279
Author(s):  
Santiago Nicolás Maza ◽  
Gilda Collo ◽  
Diego Morata ◽  
Carolina Cuña-Rodriguez ◽  
Marco Taussi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrothermal Alteration ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Acid Sulfate ◽  
Alteration Zones ◽  
Geological Processes ◽  
Freshwater Bodies ◽  
Hydrothermal Alteration Zones

Detailed mineralogical analyses in areas with surface hydrothermal alteration zones associated with recent volcanism (<1 Ma) in the Central Andean Volcanic Zone could provide key information to unravel the presence of hidden geothermal systems. In the Cordón de Inacaliri Volcanic Complex, a geothermal field with an estimated potential of ~1.08 MWe·km−2 has been recently discovered. In this work, we focus on the hydrothermal alteration zones and discharge products of this area, with the aim to reconstruct the geological processes responsible for the space-time evolution leading to the geothermal records. We identified (1) discharge products associated with acid fluids that could be related to: (i) acid-sulfate alteration with alunite + kaolinite + opal CT + anatase, indicating the presence of a steam-heated blanket with massive fine-grained silica (opal-CT), likely accumulated in mud pots where the intersection of the paleowater table with the surface occurred; (ii) argillic alteration with kaolinite + hematite + halloysite + smectite + I/S + illite in the surrounding of the acid-sulfate alteration; and (2) discharge products associated with neutral-alkaline fluids such as: (i) discontinuous pinnacle-like silica and silica deposits with laterally developed coarse stratification which, together with remaining microorganisms, emphasize a sinter deposit associated with alkaline/freshwater/brackish alkaline-chlorine water bodies and laterally associated with (ii) calcite + aragonite deriving from bicarbonate waters. The scarce presence of relics of sinter deposits, with high degree crystallinity phases and diatom remnants, in addition to alunite + kaolinite + opal CT + anatase assemblages, is consistent with a superimposition of a steam-heated environment to a previous sinter deposit. These characters are also a distinguishing feature of paleosurface deposits associated with the geothermal system of the Cordón de Inacaliri Volcanic Complex. The presence of diatoms in heated freshwater bodies at 5100 m a.s.l. in the Atacama Desert environment could be related with the last documented deglaciation in the area (~20–10 ka), an important factor in the recharge of the hidden geothermal systems of the Pabelloncito graben.

3D magnetotelluric exploration of Sete Cidades Volcano, São Miguel Island, Azores

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. T219-T230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo T. L. Menezes ◽  
Jandyr M. Travassos ◽  
Adriano J. A. Marçal ◽  
Fernando A. Monteiro Santos
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geothermal Reservoir ◽  
Impedance Tensor ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
3D Inversion ◽  
High Enthalpy ◽  
Reconnaissance Survey ◽  
Clay Cap

Geothermal energy accounts for 43% of the electricity expenditure of São Miguel Island, Azores Archipelago. All production comes from the Ribeira Grande (RG) high-enthalpy geothermal field. To meet the growing energy demand in the island, it is necessary to extend the exploration efforts to new areas. We evaluated the results of a broadband magnetotelluric reconnaissance survey conducted at Sete Cidades Volcano, placed only 30 km westward of the RG field. The resistivity structure of the Sete Cidades geothermal system was obtained through a simultaneous 3D inversion of the full impedance tensor and tipper. The bathymetry and the topography of the island were treated as fixed features in the model. The geothermal reservoir at Sete Cidades is outlined as a northwest–southeast elongated resistive anomaly, geologically controlled by the Terceira Rift fracture zone. We have also identified high-conductivity zones between 1000 and 4000 m below mean sea level, probably associated with clay cap rocks overlying the geothermal reservoir.

scholarly journals Geochemical response of deep geothermal processes in the Litang region, Western Sichuan

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 626-645
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Guiling Wang ◽  
Linxiao Xing ◽  
Tingxin Li ◽  
Jiayi Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Recharge ◽  
Hot Springs ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Calcite Dissolution ◽  
Western Sichuan ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Positive Correlations

The geochemical characteristics of geothermically heated water can reveal deep geothermal processes, leading to a better understanding of geothermal system genesis and providing guidance for improved development and utilization of such resources. Hydrochemical and hydrogen oxygen isotope analysis of two geothermal field (district) hot springs based on regional geothermal conditions revealed that the thermal water in the Litang region is primarily of the HCO3Na type. The positive correlations found between F−, Li2+, As+, and Cl− indicated a common origin, and the relatively high Na+ and metaboric acid concentrations suggested a relatively long groundwater recharge time and a slow flow rate. The values of δD and δ18O were well distributed along the local meteoric line, indicating a groundwater recharge essentially driven by precipitation. The thermal reservoir temperature (152°C–195°C) and thermal cycle depth (3156–4070 m) were calculated, and the cold water mixing ratio (60%–68%) was obtained using the silica-enthalpy model. Finally, hydrogeochemical pathway simulation was used to analyze the evolution of geothermal water in the region. The results were further supported by the high metasilicate content in the region. Of the geothermal fields in the region, it was found that the Kahui is primarily affected by albite, calcite precipitation, and silicate, while the Gezha field is primarily affected by calcite dissolution, dolomite precipitation, and silicate.

Heat transfer estimation through a high-temperature geothermal field in New Zealand quantified by multi-channel data modelling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Ardid ◽  
Rosalind Archer ◽  
David Dempsey
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Heat Flux ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Total Heat Flow ◽  
Sustainable Resource Management

&lt;p&gt;In high-temperature geothermal systems, understanding heat transfer helps conceptualize the whole system as well as estimating the resource size. To obtain the fullest picture, it is necessary to integrate different types of data, e.g., surface electromagnetic surveys, wellbore lithology, geochemistry, and temperature logs. This can be achieved through joint modelling. Here, we quantify the spatial distribution of heat transfer through the hydrothermally-altered, impermeable smectite layer that has developed atop the Wair&amp;#257;kei-Tauhara geothermal system, New Zealand. Our approach involves first constraining 1D magnetotelluric (MT) inversion models with methylene blue analysis (MeB, an indicator of conductive smectite clay) and mapping these onto temperature and lithology data from geothermal wells. Then, one-dimensional models of heat transfer are fitted to well temperature logs to estimate heat flux variations across the field.&amp;#160;We use our integrated method to estimate the average heat flux through the clay cap (2.2 W/m2) and total heat flow (380 &amp;#177; 21 MW) of the Wair&amp;#257;kei-Tauhara geothermal field. This approach models multiple datasets for estimating heat fluxes and could be applied in geothermal provinces around the world with implications for sustainable resource management and our understanding of magmatic systems.&lt;/p&gt;

Expanding a Geothermal Field Downwards. The Challenge of Drilling a Deep Well in the Hengill Area, SW Iceland.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar Gunnarsson ◽  
Vignir Demusson ◽  
Ingvi Gunnarsson ◽  
Bjarni Reyr Kristjánsson ◽  
Sigrún Tómasdóttir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Hydrothermal Systems ◽  
Measured Temperature ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Magma Body ◽  
Deep Well ◽  
Well Design ◽  
Geothermal Fields ◽  
Original Plan ◽  
Promising Target

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In 1986 a well, which was planned as a convetional production well in the Nesjavellir Field in the Hengill Area, SW Iceland, was unexpectedly drilled into a very hot formation at the depth of 2.1&amp;#160;km. The measured temperature in the lowest part of the well was 380&amp;#176;C, which was the upper range of the measuring tool used. Thus, the bottom-hole temperature was most probably higher. No one expected to hit such a hot body in this place and the well design was not appropriate to handle such high temperatures and resulting pressures. Thus, the lower parts of that well were closed off and it has since then been operated as a conventional geothermal well.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This incidence sparked the idea of drilling deeper into volcanic hydrothermal systems in Iceland in order to gain a better understanding of the roots of the geothermal systems and to be able to produce fluids with higher enthalpy. The Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP) is supposed to realize that idea. The IDDP project is a consortium of domestic and international partners, both from industry and academia. The three power companies in Iceland, which operate power-production in volcanic geothermal fields (Landsvirkjun, HS-Orka, OR), committed themselves to drill one deep well each in a field of theirs. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To date two wells have been drilled in the IDDP project. The first one, IDDP-1, was drilled in the Krafla Field, N Iceland, which is operated by Landsvirkjun, and the second well, IDDP-2, was drilled in the Reykjanes Field, which is operated by HS-Orka. The original plan was to drill down to 4-5 km. However, the IDDP-1 in Krafla was drilled into magma of rhyolite composition at the depth of 2.1 km and could therefore not be drilled further. During flow tests, it was flowing superheated steam at high pressure at well head temperature of 450&amp;#176;C. The power capacity was estimated to be 36 MW&lt;sub&gt;e&lt;/sub&gt;. However, due to hostile chemistry of the fluid and damaged casing, the well had to be abandoned and closed after the well tests. IDDP-2 was drilled down to 4,659 m. The highest temperature measured in the bottom of the well was 426&amp;#176;C at a pressure of 340 bar. It was also possible to obtain core samples from the bottom of the well. However, due to damaged casing it hasn't been possible to do further temperature and pressure measurements in the lower parts of IDDP-2. To date flow tests in IDDP-2 have not started.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The next well in the IDDP project is planned in the Hengill Area. The most promising target is the hot body that started it all in the Nesjavellir Field. According to experience from IDDP-1 and IDDP-2 the main techincal obstacle is the casing. Both wells have serious casing problems. The magma body unexpectedly hit by IDDP-1 illustrated that careful interdisciplinary preperations are needed when drilling into the unknown. Currently, few projects are ongoing to fill the knowledge gaps in order to minimize risk and maximize the probability of successful drilling. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Anisotropic permeability and fluid dispersion in pervasively fractured lavas, Rotokawa Geothermal System, New Zealand.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warwick Kissling ◽  
Cecile Massiot
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Fracture Density ◽  
Tracer Transport ◽  
Fracture Models ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Permeability Anisotropy

&lt;p&gt;Geothermal provides nearly 20% of New Zealand&amp;#8217;s electricity as well as increasing opportunities for direct use. In New Zealand&amp;#8217;s ~20 high temperature geothermal systems, fluids flow dominantly through fractured rocks with low matrix permeability. It is important to understand the nature of these fracture systems, and how fluids flow through them, so that the geothermal systems may be more efficiently and sustainably used. Here we present fluid flow calculations in several distinct discrete fracture models, each of which is broadly consistent with the fracture density and high dip magnitude angle distributions directly observed in borehole image logs at the Rotokawa Geothermal Field (&gt;300&amp;#176;C, 175&amp;#160;MWe installed capacity). This reservoir is hosted in fractured andesites. In general, fractures are steeply dipping, and the reservoir is known to be compartmentalized.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our new code describes fluid flow through large numbers (e.g., thousands) of stochastic fracture networks to provide statistical distributions of permeability, permeability anisotropy and fluid dispersion at reservoir scale (e.g., 1 km&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;). Calculations can be based on both the cubic flow law for smooth-walled fractures and the Forchheimer flow model, which includes an additional term to describe the nonlinear drag (i.e. friction) in real fractures caused by surface roughness of the fracture walls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Models with fracture density consistent with borehole observations show pervasive connectivity at reservoir scales, with fluid flow (hence permeability) and tracer transport predominantly along the mean fracture orientation. As the fracture density is varied, we find a linear relationship between permeability which holds above a well-defined percolation threshold. Permeability anisotropy is in general high (~10 to 15), because of the steeply dipping fractures. As fracture density decreases, mean anisotropy decreases while its variability increases. Significant dispersion of fluid occurs as it is transported through the reservoir. These fracture models will inform more traditional continuum models of fractured geothermal reservoirs hosted in volcanic rocks, to provide a better description of fluid flow within reservoirs and aid the responsible and sustainable use of that resource in the future.&lt;/p&gt;

Variations in the chemical composition of illite from five geothermal fields: a possible geothermometer

Clay Minerals ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Battaglia
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
General Relation ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Single Line ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Correction Algorithm ◽  
Geothermal Fields

AbstractPrevious attempts to use illite as a geothermometer have failed: no general relation between the mineral's chemical composition and temperature of crystallization has been found. Here, chemical compositions of 27 illite samples from five different geothermal fields (the data on four of which were drawn from the literature) were compared with their crystallization temperatures. As previously reported by Cathelineau (1988), the K content was found to be the only variable yielding a suitable correlation, but only when applied to one geothermal field; when various geothermal systems were considered, the correlation weakened considerably. Introduction of a correction algorithm to the K content of the illite has made it possible to draw a single line to fit the data from all the studied samples, yielding a good correlation coefficient (r = 0.84).

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