| Title | Soil CO2 Diffuse Degassing at Chachimbiro Volcano, Ecuador |
|---|---|
| Authors | Doménicca GUILLÉN, Chad DEERING, Snehamoy CHATTERJEE, Kate NELSON, Céline MANDÓN |
| Year | 2025 |
| Conference | LATAM Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Diffuse CO₂ degassing, , Ecuador, geothermal exploration |
| Abstract | Soil CO2 diffuse degassing is often a prominent feature of geothermal systems associated with volcanic regions. Studies have shown that identifying the spatial distribution of these emissions improves understanding of the systems, helps identify up-flow paths and, ultimately, quantifies thermal energy released. This study presents the first CO2 diffuse degassing analysis ever carried out at Chachimbiro volcano, situated at the north of Ecuador’s Andean Cordillera; the location of the most advanced geothermal project in the country. This investigation aims to better understand the heat and permeability distribution to identify future targets for geothermal exploration/exploitation. The survey covered an area of 3.6 km2 with 642 points measured and 18 samples collected for carbon isotopic analysis. Results show two CO2 sources contributing to the system: biogenic and magmatic, supported by the Graphical Statistical Approach (GSA) and carbon isotopic analysis. Sequential Gaussian Simulati |