| Title | A Geological and Hydro-Geochemical Study of the Animas Geothermal Area, Hidalgo County, New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Authors | Dellechaie, Frank |
| Year | 1977 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Exploration; Geochemistry; Geologic; Geothermometers; Heat flow; Igneous; Mineralization; Animas Valley; New Mexico; USA |
| Abstract | The Animas Valley thermal area lies on the west pediment of the Pyramid Mountains. The Pyramids are composed of Cretaceous to Teritary igneous rocks. Two hot wells produce 101°C water at a depth of 20 meters. The wells seem to relate to a northerly trending fault having at least 500 meters displacement with the west block downthrown. An elliptical heatflow anomaly extending about 3 km in length occurs in this area. Thermal waters contain about 1200 mg/l of dissolved solids and low concentrations of Li, B, NH3 and H2S. Silica concentrations do not exceed 145 mg/l. Cations and anions occur as: SO4.C1.HCO3 Na>Ca>K>Mg. Last equilibrium with a volcanic suite of minerals and carbonates is evidenced. Geothermometers indicate subsurface temperatures of approximately 160°C. Apparently the thermal waters are escaping rapidly from a deep (>4 km) reservoir along a conduit formed by fault intersections. Evidence of igneous heat is lacking. |