EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
White 1986
White, A.F. (1986). Chemical and isotopic characteristics of fluids within the Baca geothermal reservoir, Valles caldera, New Mexico. Journal of Geophysical Research 91: doi: 10.1029/JB091iB02p01855. issn: 0148-0227.

Geochemical and isotopic fluid data from 10 wells completed in the Baca reservoir indicate the presence of both a normal enthalpy, lower-chloride fluid and an excess enthalpy, higher-chloride fluid. This chemical difference, along with enrichment of deuterium and oxygen 18 in the excess enthalpy fluid, can be explained by adiabatic cooling or boiling at 170 ¿C during upward convection along the central fault system in the reservoir followed by conductive reheating during downward movement. Chemical modeling using the EQ3NR computer code indicates chemical stability with the mineral assemblage quartz, albite, K-mica, epidote, chlorite, calcite, anhydrite, and pyrite, which is in agreement with observed minerals in well cuttings. This correlation, along with chemical geothermometers, implies a constant temperature range of 260¿--320¿C during evolution of the reservoir.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit