Geochemistry and Hydrology of the Zunil Geothermal System, Guatemala
- Key words
- Exploration; Brine Technology; Guatemala; Zunil; Deuterium; Geochemistry; Oxygen; Isotopes; Tritium; Geothermometers; Silica; Hydrology; Springs; Reservoir Model; SMOW
- Location
- Zunil, Guatemala
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1990
- Session
- Exploration; Geochemical surveys; Geothermometers; Isotopes;
- Language
- English
Abstract
The chemical and isotopic relationships of fluids form wells and springs in the region of the Zunil geothermal field follow a clear and consistent pattern with respect to their location. The chemical data define a plume of high temperature water that originates in the western part of the existing well field. As this high temperature fluid travels south and east, it boils and mixes with shallow steam heated waters. The shallow fluids, which overlie and extend beyond the deeper sodium chloride reservoir, discharge as sulfate and bicarbonate rich thermal springs. Ci enthalpy relationships suggest that the deep fluid may have a temperature a high as 335°C and a chlorinity up to 1550 ppm.
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