Chichonal VolcanoMEXICO

By : Ai Hamada, Erica Massey, Gali Beltran, Mona Regad, Charlotte Magnette

El ChichónSouthern MexicoAltitude: 1150 mLast eruption: 1984Area: 0.8 km2 (80 Ha)Andesitic statovolcanoMagma chamber: 8km

deep Chiapanecan Volcanic

Arc (CVA)Triple junction

(García Palomo, Macías & Espíndola, 2004)

Geological SurveyStudies of the Chichonal

Volcano already: Thermal manifestationGeochemical evaluation

Heat sourceAcid lakeSteam ventsBoiling springsAcid and neutral hot

springsGeothermometry

~220°C(Photo by R. Avilamario from http://www.panoramio.com)

Tectonics of the ChiapanecanPermeability

CVA = 4 volcanoes

FaultsFissuresFracturesFolding

(Source: García Palomo, Macías & Espíndola, 2004)

El Chichón: Geologic features

(Source: García Palomo, Macías, & Espíndola, 2004)

Exploration methods before drilling

(Source: Arellano Contreras & Jiménez Salgado, 2012)

5km 6km

Focus on 5km x 6km area

1km

6km

We propose ‘Airborne’ method!

・ Easy access to the site・ Small staff・ Short time・ less money

・ Aeromagnetic・ Electromagnetic (TEM)

We can do two methods 　　　　　　 at the same time!

Exploration methods before drilling

Methods Expected data Cost performance (5km×6km area= 25.5 line-miles)

Aeromagnetic ・ Location of the heat source・ Depth of the source.

・ 3D model of the body

167.34/mile

　⇒ 4300USD

Electromagnetic (TEM)

・ Fluid saturation

・ Conductivity of the rocks・ Hydrothermal alteration・ Porosity

・ Type of pore fluid

317.38/mile

　⇒ 8100USD

Time required to perform two methods in the field is 1 day,

The time of interpretation and writing reports in both methods will take from 1 to 2 months.

Total cost of getting field data with both methods by the same airplane is

8100USD~ (Estimations from OpenEI, http://en.openei.org)

Likely environmental impacts

Air emissionsRisk of subsidenceWaste waterNoiseLandscapeSocial Impact

(Photo by A. Santibanez from http://www.panoramio.com )

Questions and mitigation measures have to be discussed with the local authorities in the EIA report.

References Duffield, W. A., Tilling, R. I., & Canul, R. (1984). Geology of El Chichon volcano, Chiapas,

Mexico. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 20(1-2), 117‑132. doi:10.1016/0377-0273(84)90069-6

Erkan, K., Holdmann, G., Benoit, W., & Blackwell, D. (2008). Understanding the Chena Hot Springs, Alaska, geothermal system using temperature and pressure data from exploration boreholes. Geothermics, 37(6), 565‑585. doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2008.09.001

Flores-Armenta, M. & Luis Gutiérrez-Negrín, C.A.(2011) Geothermal activity and development in Mexico. Presented at “Short Course on Geothermal Drilling, Resource Development and Power Plants”, organized by UNU-GTP and LaGeo, in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, January 16-22, 2011. Retrieved 18th February 2013 on: http://www.os.is/gogn/unu-gtp-sc/UNU-GTP-SC-12-04.pdf

Garcı́ Sa Palomo, A., Macı́ Sas, J. L., & Espı́ Sndola, J. M. (2004). Strike-slip faults and K-alkaline volcanism at El Chichón volcano, southeastern Mexico. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 136(3-4), 247‑268. doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2004.04.001

Jutzeler, M., Varley, N., & Roach, M. (2011). Geophysical characterization of hydrothermal systems and intrusive bodies, El Chichón volcano (Mexico). Journal of Geophysical Research, 116(B4). doi:10.1029/2010JB007992

Taran, Y. A., & Peiffer, L. (2009). Hydrology, hydrochemistry and geothermal potential of El Chichón volcano-hydrothermal system, Mexico. Geothermics, 38(4), 370‑378. doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2009.09.002

MUCHAS GRACIAS AMIGOS