--> Abstract: Geothermal Resistivity Investigations in New Mexico, by G. R. Jiracek, C. S. Smith, G. T. Forsythe, G. A. Dorn; #90979 (1975).
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Abstract: Geothermal Resistivity Investigations in New Mexico

G. R. Jiracek, C. S. Smith, G. T. Forsythe, G. A. Dorn

The electrical-resistivity technique has proved successful in geothermal exploration in more than a dozen countries and recently investigations have been initiated in New Mexico as a part of the state-supported energy-research program. Reconnaissance resistivity mapping is being done in areas selected as having geothermal potential on the basis of available geologic and geophysical information. The field tests first were centered about deep drill holes in the volcanic terrain of the Jemez Mountains (Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory GT-1 and GT-2 test holes) and in the Rio Grande rift near Bernalillo (Shell Oil Co. Santa Fe Pacific 1 test hole). Borehole logs at these locations were used to correlate with the surface-resistivity measurements. In both locations, orthogonal electric Previous HitbipoleTop current sources of 2-km length were used to make total-field electrical measurements out to distances of 10 km. Such separations were sufficient to probe to the resistive (approximately 1,000 ohm-m) Precambrian basement which is at 733 m at GT-2 and at 3,339 m in Shell's test hole. The overlying sedimentary sections in oth areas are electrically conductive, averaging less than 200-ohm-m resistivity. The volcanics at the GT-2 site are electrically variable, in some instances highly resistive (approximately 3,000 ohm-m). Resistivity mapping in the Jemez Mountains has revealed a distinctive anomaly which seems to mark the western ring-fracture boundary of the Valles Caldera. The fracture system appears to be a deep, hot-water plumbing system which is manifested by isolated hot springs and a conductive-resistivity anomaly. The electric sounding equipment is being moved to other geothermal prospects in New Mexico including the Radium Springs area.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90979©1975 AAPG – SEPM Rocky Mountain Sections Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, New Mexico