Case Study and First Look: Contemporary Magnetotelluric Studies within Nereidas Valley, Nevado Del Ruiz Volcano, Colombia

Abstract

Empresas Públicas de Medellín E.S.P. (EPM) and its subsidiary Central Hydroelectric de Caldas S.A. (CHEC) are presently evaluating the geothermal potential within the Nereidas Valley near Nevado del Ruiz, a volcano located on the border of the departments of Caldas and Tolima in Colombia, about 129 kilometers (80 mi) west of the capital city Bogotá (Figure 1). EPM has contracted with the Dewhurst Group, LLC (DG) to perform the evaluation, and to provide expertise and recommendations to move the project forward. As part of that effort, DG together with CHEC has formed a working partnership with the University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia. In addition to a review of legacy data, geological mapping and geochemistry, DG is performing a magnetotelluric survey consisting of over 300 soundings to help guide the construction of a new geologic conceptual model. Currently, it appears that the survey area has significant geothermal potential. A review of the project and exploration efforts, which are on-going, will be presented as a student-led poster presentation.