| Title | Geology & Geothermal Potential of the Tecuamburro Volcano Area of Guatemala |
|---|---|
| Authors | Duffield, W. A.; Heiken, G. H.; Wohletz, K. H.; Maassen, L. W.; Dengo, G.; McKee, E. H. |
| Year | 1989 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Exploration; Guatemala; Tecuamburro; Age Dating; Chemistry; Geothermometers; Geology; Fault Zone; Potassium Argon; Chemical Analysis |
| Abstract | Radiometric ages indicate that Tecuamburro Volcano and 3 adjacent lava domes grew during the past 38,3000 years, and that a 500 m wide phreatic crater, Ixpaco, formed near the base of these domes about 2,900 years ago. Thus, the likelihood of a partly molten or solid but still hot near surface intrusion beneath the area seems great. Fumaroles and hot springs issue locally from Tecuamburro and adjacent domes and at and near Ixpaco crater. Analyses of sample from these and other nearly thermal manifestations yield chemical geothermometers temperatures (Goff and others, this volume) of about 150°C to 300°C with the highest temperature at Ixpaco. The existence of a commercial grade geothermal reservoir beneath the Ixpaco area seems likely. |