The Geochemistry of the San Ignacio Hot Springs, Honduras
- Key words
- Exploration; Geochemical Survey; Honduras; Department de Francisco Morazon; La Tembladera; Faults; Pluton; Silica; Isotopes; Ph; Hot Springs; Deuterium; Geothermometers; Model; Montanas de la Flor; USGS; Empresa National de Energia Electrica; Arenal Fault
- Location
- San Ignacio Hot Springs, Honduras
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1986
- Session
- Exploration; Geochemical surveys; Isotopes; Geothermometers;
- Language
- English
Abstract
A geochemical study of thermal fluids from San Ignacio, central Honduras, show that this is a favorable site for geothermal development. Numerous boiling, silica depositing springs and nonboiling hot springs occurs along a fault segment (and associated cross faults) of a major scarp on the north side of the Valle de Siria over an area of about 1 square kilometer. The thermal fluids are not associated with Quaternary volcanism, and water and gas chemistry indicate that they issue from a sedimentary reservoir. Temperatures calculated form chemical, sulfate isotope, and gas geothermometers range from about 160 to 230°C, with the most probably reservoir temperatures near 220°C. The correlation of D with C1 suggest that ascending fluids cool conductively to about 150°C and then cool further by boiling and/or conductive cooling to the surface tempters. Limited mixing with local meteoric water occurs near the surface.
Copyright 1986, Geothermal Resources Council. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.