Mexican geothermal history and legends published in English, A compendium

Abstract

Through the centuries writers have published Mexican geothermal histories and legends, from the pre-Hispanic peoples of Mexico, to the Spaniards, to modern-day Mexican and non-Mexican authors. During the last 11 years, some authors have published such information in English. Today finding all the English texts can be confusing, as they appear in various publications of several organizations. This paper contains these texts—with some illustrations. To see all of the the photos and drawings, you’ll need a copy of the original publication. This paper also notes all the places each text was printed. As most were first printed by the Geothermal Resources Council in Davis, California, Ted Clutter, Executive Director of the GRC, has kindly given permission to reprint them here. The texts describe many areas of Mexico, including San Bartolo Agua Caliente in the State of Guanajuato, Paquimé in Northern Mexico, and Los Azufres Geothermal Field. In the broadest sense the paper is incomplete—and not just because more information on Mexican geothermal history and legends must be in print. The truth is that most available data remain uncollected, still part of the lives of people living near the geothermal fields of Mexico and available for the asking to anyone interested in this unusual and fascinating topic.