Chemical Variations in the Rocks of La Primavera Geothermal Field (Mexico) Related with Hydrothermal Alteration

Abstract

The origin and fate of the components dissolved in the geothermal fluids are of great importance in the study of epithermal deposits, and in the environmental considerations for exploitation of geothermal fields. The chemical study of La Primavera geothermal field in Mexico has environmental importance due to the high arsenic concentration observed in and the possible of the area. The in the of all altered with respect to unaltered samples indicates depletion of manganese, and the alkalis; and enrichment in iron and magnesium. Most samples show an in aluminum and titanium, and depletion in silica and calcium. Trace elements follow different trends at various depths; shallow depths are more favorable for deposition of the analyzed trace elements than surface or the deep part of the reservoir.