| Title | Identification of Magmatic Intrusions Through Integrated Geophysical Methods. A Contribution for a Sustainable Geothermal Energy Development: Borinquen Geothermal Project - Central America Case Study |
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| Authors | Leonardo SOLIS Salguero, Ernesto MENESES Rioseco |
| Year | 2020 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Borinquen Geothermal Project, Costa Rica, high-enthalpy geothermal reservoir, geophysical exploration methods, igneous plumbing system elements, volcano-tectonic structures, volcanic geothermal play type |
| Abstract | This work focuses on most appropriate geothermal exploration and development strategies of the Borinquen Geothermal Project in Costa Rica. High-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs in a volcanic geothermal play type require an accurate comprehension of the key site-specific geological structures such as volcano-tectonics related faults, cap rock and caldera boundaries to develop accurate and sustainable exploitation strategies. Equally important is the identification of possible magmatic body intrusions and their two-dimensional or three-dimensional morphology. The relative importance of those magmatic bodies relates to their age, shape and location within the geothermal system. In particular, their considerable relevance relies on the role they play as possible local heat sources, hydraulic barriers between reservoir compartments and their far-reaching effect on the geochemistry and dynamics of fluids (fluid-rock interaction). Obtaining comprehensive knowledge and a more complete understanding at the initial stages of geothermal exploration through integrated geophysical and geological methods is crucial to determine promising geothermal drilling targets, to construct sustainable production/re-injection schemes and for the development of adequate exploitation programs. Reliable, extensive geophysical data collected at the Borinquen high-enthalpy geothermal project at northwestern Costa Rica together with an adequate knowledge of the geological structures in the underground may represent a sound basis for an in-depth geoscientific discussion on this topic. Current international and interdisciplinary joint efforts taken by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) in Costa Rica, the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG) and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) in Germany focus on the application of joint geophysical and geological methods to assess the most appropriate geothermal exploration concepts for this complex volcanic field setting. This team-based and joint endeavor is made within the framework of the German Cooperation Program for enhanced geothermal exploration in Central America. |