Arsenic Use as a Complementary Tool in Geothermal System Exploration

Abstract

In the present work, As has been used in among with conservative elements Cl, B, Li and F, as a complementary exploration tool in geothermal systems. Diagrams log – log have been used to plot elements Cl vs B, Cl vs As (T) y Cl vs As (III) in order to identify through linear trend the possible up flow zones in a geothermal system, which is evidenced by the correlation of these elements. Thus, have been also used ternary diagrams plotting the elements Cl, B, HCO3; Cl, SiO2, As; Cl, As, HCO3; y Cl, As, F; in order to identify possible mixtures trends that occur in a geothermal exploration area, additionally have been graphed the areal isovalues of these elements that show areal geochemical anomalies in common and could infer the presence of geothermal up flow zone areas. Published data from Miravalles Geothermal Field in Costa Rica has been used in the present work.