Comparison of Early Exploration at Platanares (Honduras) and Wairakei (New Zealand)
- Key words
- Exploration; Honduras; New Zealand; Platanares; Wairakei; Geology; Drilling; Geothermometers; Hot Springs; Chemical Analysis; Chloride; Silica; TDS
- Location
- Wairakei, New Zealand; Taupo Volcanic Zone; Platanares, Honduras
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1989
- Session
- Exploration; Geochemical surveys; Geothermometers
- Language
- English
Abstract
Early exploration of Wairekei, New Zealand, is compared with the present state of exploration of Platanares, Honduras. In retrospect, geothermometry temperatures favor Platanares (e.g. 220 vs. 190°C for Na-K-Ca) but two 600 m drill holes encountered lower temperatures (160°C). Wairakei explored before the advent of chemical geothermometry also had disappointing in early drilling results (but better that Platanares; one of the first six holes hit T>180°C). The Wairakei drilling program was nevertheless continued at full speed and by well 20 a successful drilling strategy was discovered.
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