Study on diffuse degassing and alteration mineralogy in the Berlín Geothermal Field

Abstract

Due to its recent geothermal development in El Salvador, various monitoring activities are periodically undertaken in Berl??n geothermal field to provide more data and information for the construction of the conceptual model of the field and to give an idea of the chemical, physical and thermodynamic behavior of the field. Among these activities are the study of diffuse degassing and the periodic monitoring of fumaroles. Radon and thoron contents show anomalies at the northeastern part of Alegr??a City,which could be a possible area for investigation. The study of gases and alteration mineralogy is very much related. The type of hydrothermal minerals also depends on the permeability and chemical content whether it is gas or liquid. High and high gas anomaly mainly CO2 are observed in the central part of the field mainly in Tronador y Tronadorcito fumaroles. Alteration and gas studies confirm the upflow zone of the field. Almost all of the fumaroles are related with geologic structures, which provided passagefor hydrothermal fluids to reach the surface. Likewise, most of the gas anomalies are located in fault zones.