Multi-Disciplinary and Integrated Geothermal Exploration at the Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico

Abstract

Trust lands of the Pueblo of Jemez, a federally-recognized Indian tribe, are located on the southwestern margin of the Jemez Mountains in north-central New Mexico. The most prominent feature in the Jemez Mountains is the 1.25 Ma Valles Caldera, one of the most intensively studied volcanic terrains in the world. The youngest intracaldera pyroclastic flows and lava flows were erupted between 55 to 40 ka. Numerous hot springs derived from the Valles Caldera discharge on the west and southwest edge of the caldera and down Cañon de San Diego, which is located three miles north of the Pueblo of Jemez. Indian Springs, on the banks of the Jemez River 3.5 km southwest of the Pueblo of Jemez village, is the southernmost known thermal spring related to the Valles system. The ongoing geothermal exploration project in the Pueblo of Jemez area characterizes the deeper geothermal potential suited for geothermal power production, in addition to known shallow geothermal resources. The project implementation plan has followed, and continues to follow, a logical and reasonable progression from geologic mapping, hydrogeochemistry and mineralogy to geophysical surveys to selecting a well site location. Drilling, logging, and well testing in the near future will be the final test of the viability of the resource.