Water geochemistry of the Lucero Uplift, New Mexico: geothermal investigation of low-temperature mineralized fluids
A detailed geochemical investigation of 27 waters of the Lucero uplift, central New Mexico, was performed to determine if the fluids originate from a high-temperature geothermal system along the Rio Grande rift. Two types of mineralized water issue from the Lucero region: a relatively saline (high-Cl, high-SO/sub 4/) type and a relatively dilute (low-Cl, high-SO/sub 4/) type. Emergence temperatures of both types range from 12 to 26/sup 0/C. Chemical data and thermodynamic and geothermometer calculations all indicate that both water types are in equilibrium with carbonate and evaporite minerals found in local Colorado Plateau rocks at surface temperatures or slightly higher. Stable isotope data do not indicate high-temperature rock-water interaction. Although evidence is seen for mixing between mineralized waters and dilute surface waters, no evidence for mixing of a deep hot fluid and surface waters is seen. Dilute mineral waters, which issue from a large area of Chinle Formation on the west side of the Lucero uplift, may be useful for low-temperature geothermal applications with appropriate design of equipment. Saline mineral waters, which leak from a zone of faulted and folded rocks along the Comanche fault zone, do not appear to have much, if any, geothermal potential due to their low-temperature, restricted distribution, and high concentration of dissolved solids. No evidence that saline mineral waters are associated with Quaternary faults of the Rio Grande rift or Quaternary basaltic volcanism within the immediate area is seen.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 6246390
- Report Number(s):
- LA-9738-OBES; ON: DE83013320
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
GEOCHEMISTRY
WATER CHEMISTRY
RIO GRANDE RIFT
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMOMETERS
MIXING
NEW MEXICO
ROCK-FLUID INTERACTIONS
SURFACE WATERS
CHEMISTRY
FEDERAL REGION VI
FLUIDS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NORTH AMERICA
SURVEYS
THERMOMETERS
USA
Geothermal Legacy
150302* - Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology- Geochemical Techniques & Surveys