The Movement of Geothermal Fluid in the Cerro Prieto Field as Determined from Well Log and Reservoir Engineering Data

Abstract

A hydrogeologic model of the Cerro Prieto geothermal field in its undisturbed state, developed on the basis of well log and reservoir engineering data, is discussed. According to this model, geothermal fluid enters the field from the east through a deep (>10,000 f t ) sandstone aquifer which is over lain by a thick shale unit which locally prevents the upward migration of the fluid. As it flows westward, the fluid gradually rises through faults and sandy gaps in the shale unit. Eventually, some of the fluid leaks to the surface in the western part of the field, while the rest mixes w i t h surrounding colder waters.