Progress Toward Evaluating the Geothermal Resource in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

Abstract

Researchers from the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University have been investigating the potential for geothermal resource development in the vicinity of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Guided by previously published information, a program which includes temperature logging of municipal water wells, gravity and magnetic investigations, electrical resistivity measurements, shallow borehole drilling and temperature logging, and water chemistry analysis has been conducted. We are presently able to report on three areas of geothermal interest in or near Albuquerque. The Llano de Atrisco thermal anomaly is located about 8 km west of Albuquerque. Two anomalies here are associated with buried magnetic bodies of presumed igneous origin. Shallow gradients exceeding 100°C/km lead to the expectation that 45°C water occurs at a depth of less than 300 m; this compares to about 25°C at similar depths in the region. Two other areas, in the city, are identified on the basis of temperature information provided form geophysical logs of Albuquerque municipal wells. This information indicated that water of 45 to 50°C flows beneath the well fields at a depth of 400 to 500 m.