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- Title
Geothermal potential of New Mexico "smokers": spring vents that show mantle degassing, high CO<sub>2</sub> content, and distinctive microbiology communities along the Jemez lineament and Rio Grande rift.
- Authors
HOLT, BENJAMIN; KARLSTROM, KARL; CROSSEY, LAURA; KELLEY, SHARI; DARRAH, THOMAS; WHYTE, COLIN; MCGIBBON, CHRIS; SMITH, JARED; BLOMGREN, VALERIE; HRNCIR, JEFF; PERSON, MARK; WALK, CORY
- Abstract
This study is a compilation of water and gas data from springs and wells throughout New Mexico. The springs discussed here have detectable mantle-derived helium, are located along major faults, have high PCO2, are generally travertine depositing, and are located above areas of low mantle velocity. This combination of parameters helps identify windows into zones of high crustal permeability and flux of deeply derived fluids within regions of extension and high heat flow. Springs and wells with the highest helium isotope ratios in NM (non-atmospheric-like 3He/4He (R/RA) and elevated He/Ne in groundwater) are located above the Valles Caldera (3.86 to 6.16 RA), Rico area of SW Colorado (4.75-5.88 RA), NM Bootheel area (up to 4.23 RA), Bravo Dome (up to 3.78 RA), and Socorro magma body (NM Tech wells = 1.41 to 1.91 RA). Lowest, non-mantle-like values (< 0.1 RA) are seen in San Juan and parts of Delaware basins. The best correlation between 3He/4He values and deep geophysical parameters is relative S-wave velocity (at 60 and 195 km), consistent with mantle partial melt as the deep source of helium- and CO2-bearing volatiles. Helium isotope values do not correlate strongly with crustal thickness suggesting that crustal conduit systems may be less important than mantle source regions. Multiple tracer geochemical analyses include helium and carbon isotopes that can help evaluate fluid mixing end members, fluid pathways, and geothermometry of deeper fluids. Combined with other geothermal datasets, these data provide part of an exploration strategy for geothermal systems in New Mexico.
- Subjects
JEMEZ Mountains (N.M.); NEW Mexico; EARTH'S mantle; RIO Grande Rift; GEOTHERMOMETRY; CARBON dioxide; MICROBIAL ecology; HEAT transfer; GEOTHERMAL resources
- Publication
New Mexico Journal of Science, 2016, Vol 50, Issue 1, p76
- ISSN
0270-3017
- Publication type
Article