Use of Arsenic as a Complementary Tool in Geothermal System Exploration

Abstract

In the present work arsenic has been used in among with conservative elements Cl, B and Li, as a complementary exploration tool in geothermal systems. Ternary diagrams have been used, plotting Cl-HCO₃-SO₄, Cl-B-Li, Cl-SiO₂-As y Cl-As(T)-As(III), in order to identify possible mixtures trends that could be occur in a geothermal exploration area. Diagrams log–log have been used to plot Cl vs B, Cl vs As(T) and Cl vs As(III) in order to identify through trend line the possible up flow zones in a geothermal system; which is evidenced by the linear correlation of these elements. Thus, additionally have been graphed As(T) /As(III) ratio contours that shows areal geochemical anomalies and could suggest the presence of geothermal upflow zone areas. Published data from Miravalles Geothermal Field, Costa Rica has been used in the present work.