Structural control on the Southern Andean Nevados de Chillán geothermal system

Abstract

Detailed structural analysis from representative outcrops is necessary to characterize geothermal reservoir dynamics. Here, we estimate fracture density and intensity, as well as the dimensional properties of individual fault and fracture sets in basement rocks of the Nevados de Chillán Geothermal System. We identified several important structural features that could be responsible for controlling local fluid flow; the high-angle sinistral Las Trancas Fault as well as a series of low-angle reverse faults within the Las Termas-Olla de Mote Fault system. Most fractures identified strike either NE-SW, NNE-SSW, and NNW-SSE. Analysis of fault-slip data, supported by seismicity, indicates the presence of a main transtensional regime with subhorizontal NE-trending σ₁. Structures sub-parallel to the present-day local maximum horizontal stress show significant dilation tendencies, whilst NW-SE fractures are less prone to dilation. NE and E-W high angle faults could be primary conduits facilitating the upward migration of hot fluids from reservoirs within crystalline and fractured rocks. The fracture length distribution was analysed using power law, negative exponential, and log-normal distribution. The power law with a scaling exponent of about −3 provides the best fit to the data. This study advances our understanding of the structural control of the geothermal reservoir and its associated fracture-controlled fluid circulation and thereby improves the prospectivity in the region by quantifying the optimum fracture sets for fluid flow.