Iván Cabrera-Pérez, Luca D'Auria, Jean Soubestre, David Martínez van Dorth, Germán Cervigón-Tomico, Alba Martín-Lorenzo, Monika Przeor, Rubén García-Hernández, Víctor Ortega, Germán D. Padilla, José Barrancos, Eleazar Padrón, Nemesio M. Pérez
{"title":"Ambient Noise Tomography studies for geothermal exploration in the Canary Islands","authors":"Iván Cabrera-Pérez, Luca D'Auria, Jean Soubestre, David Martínez van Dorth, Germán Cervigón-Tomico, Alba Martín-Lorenzo, Monika Przeor, Rubén García-Hernández, Víctor Ortega, Germán D. Padilla, José Barrancos, Eleazar Padrón, Nemesio M. Pérez","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/001","url":null,"abstract":"Ambient Noise Tomography is a geophysical exploration technique that has proven to be highly efficient for studies at different scales and for multiple purposes, such as geothermal exploration. In this article, we introduce this technique by reviewing its various steps. Additionally, we present some examples of applications from studies conducted in the Canary Islands (sp ecifically in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma) for geothermal exploration purposes.The study realized in Gran Canaria reveals a series of low-velocity zones in the southern and eastern parts of the island, which could be linked to convective cells. In Tenerife, a low-velocity zone has been observed, potentially associated with a superficial clay cap that could facilitate the ascent of gases to the surface. Finally, the study carried out in La Palma highlights the existence of two low-velocity zones in the southern part of the island, possibly related to hydrothermally altered clay zones, indicating a circulation of hydrothermal fluids.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Ignacio Martín Nieto, Pedro Carrasco García, Arturo Farfán Martín, Diego González-Aguilera
{"title":"Inclusion of seismic refraction techniques in the characterization of the geological context for geothermal exploitation purposes","authors":"Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Ignacio Martín Nieto, Pedro Carrasco García, Arturo Farfán Martín, Diego González-Aguilera","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/005","url":null,"abstract":"Given the growing importance of geothermal energy in the decarbonization of the energy sector, the application of appropriate methodologies that contribute to a greater knowledge of the resource is considered convenient. In this sense, refraction seismic techniques have proven to be a potential tool to predict the thermal behavior of the subsoil in locations where it is intended to implement a shallow geothermal system. From thermal conductivity measurements on samples with different degrees of compaction and consolidation, and from the propagation speeds of the P waves, a correlation pattern is developed that in turn allows obtaining 2D sections of the average thermal conductivity distribution in depth. The methodology developed shows that it is possible to estimate the evolution of the thermal conductivity parameter of the ground and thus guarantee an adequate design of the well field and the future correct operation of the geothermal system (providing the correct drilling length which would be underestimated by 30% with the standard thermal conductivity values).","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"8 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Perla Piña-Varas, Juanjo Ledo, Pilar Queralt, Alex Marcuello, Gemma Mitjanas, David Martínez Van Dorth
{"title":"Magnetotelluric applied to deep geothermal exploration: Canary Islands","authors":"Perla Piña-Varas, Juanjo Ledo, Pilar Queralt, Alex Marcuello, Gemma Mitjanas, David Martínez Van Dorth","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/004","url":null,"abstract":"There is currently a growing interest in geothermal energy. Geothermal energy for electricity generation usually corresponds to deep reservoirs, located deeper than one kilometer. This will condition the geophysical methods to be used during the exploration of the geothermal system, being magnetotelluric (MT) the only electromagnetic method capable of reaching such depths. Commonly used in geothermal exploration, this method will provide information on the electrical resistivity distribution of the subsurface, and therefore will allow characterizing the main components of the system. This is the case of the seal of the reservoir, which will be easily detectable with MT since usually consists of a layer of clays resulting from hydrothermal alteration (the so-called clay cap). A reference for the application of this method to geothermal exploration can be found in the Canary Islands, where studies have been carried out on a regional scale for the last decade. The results obtained so far, with the generation of three-dimensional geoelectrical models in three of the seven islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma), show the great value of this type of studies that will be used (and are already being used) as a basis for new geothermal exploration projects to be carried out in the archipelago.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ignacio Martín Nieto, Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Arturo Farfán Martín, Pedro Carrasco García, Diego González-Aguilera
{"title":"Application of electric and electromagnetic methods, combined with thermal properties analysis, to the characterization of low and medium enthalpy geothermal resources","authors":"Ignacio Martín Nieto, Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Arturo Farfán Martín, Pedro Carrasco García, Diego González-Aguilera","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/003","url":null,"abstract":"The relationship between the thermal properties of the ground and the efficiency of geothermal installations located in the ground is well known. The different geologies and subsurface structures have a decisive influence on the behavior of a given location with respect to heat exchanges. The electrical and electromagnetic methods of geophysical prospecting can be useful in determining the compositions and structures present in a given area in order to be able to perform energy modeling that will help to design more precisely the ideal geothermal heat exchanger for that area. In this work we study the relationship, observed in different studies, between the geological structure and the electromagnetic magnitude measurements collected from these prospecting methods. Possibilities are also explored in contact with the idea of relating electromagnetic and thermal magnitudes in the search for new ideas to develop more accurate methods of geophysical prospecting of the geothermal resource.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Celestino García de la Noceda, José F. Albert Beltrán
{"title":"The HYDROTHERM code as a tool for integrating geophysics in geothermal prospecting","authors":"Celestino García de la Noceda, José F. Albert Beltrán","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/002","url":null,"abstract":"The use of numerical codes in simulating geothermal reservoirs is one of the most powerful tools for integrating geology, geochemistry, and geophysics in high enthalpy geothermal research processes. This paper summarizes some examples of USGS HYDROTHERM code application results on the islands of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, which are considered very different geothermal models. The first island has normal geothermal gradient, the second has magmatic bodies near the surface and Tenerife has a comparison between geophysical techniques to determine the recharge-discharge flows of the Cañadas-Teide system. In the first two islands there are boreholes that allow adjusting and validating the models, whereas Tenerife or La Palma have been studied using the same methodology but lack verification boreholes. Nevertheless, their model results are consistent with other geophysical techniques. This highlights the great potential of this code as an integrating tool for the different prospecting techniques to understand geothermal system operations and determine the most suitable location for deep exploration drilling. The significant benefit of this code is the capability to reproduce different evolutionary and casuistry models reliably using the same geological and thermal parameters for all islands.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
José Antonio Domínguez Sánchez, Belén Sánchez-Rubio Ruiz
{"title":"Turbidity peaks in the Font de Dins of Peñíscola: a tool to determine recharge areas and transit periods. Aquifer of El Maestrazgo (Castellón)","authors":"José Antonio Domínguez Sánchez, Belén Sánchez-Rubio Ruiz","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/002","url":null,"abstract":"El Maestrazgo is a karstic aquifer of more than 2,400 km2 that occupies the northern half of the province of Castellón. Its main discharge area is in the coastal mountains of Irta. One of the most important springs in the system is the Font de Dins of Peñíscola, which is characterized by its fresh water channeled through preferential circulation channels without contact with sea water. After intense rainfall events, both on a local and regional scale, the usual hydrochemistry of these waters changes almost immediately and remains altered for days or weeks, being able to present stages of marked turbidity. This fact is due to the rapid influx to this upwelling of infiltrated waters in different sectors of the aquifer that significantly increase its flow. This article analyzes the cause-effect relationship of the turbidity peaks that sporadically occur in the Font de Dins spring with very intense or prolonged rains in the area. Once the relationship has been verified, a space-time study allows turbidity to be used as a natural tracer and to establish transit periods, groundwater flow velocities and recharge areas.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135938402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Granitic affinity mineralization in the central portion of the Colangüil batholith. Province of San Juan, Argentina","authors":"Aníbal F. Wetten","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/001","url":null,"abstract":"The central portion of the Batholith of Colangüil belongs to the Frontal Range and is located in the northwest of San Juan province, Argentina. It includes different granite units of Permian in age: Romo, Conconta, and Agua Blanca. These intrude the Cerro Agua Negra Formation, an Upper Carboniferous - Asselian sedimentary unit. These units are partially covered by volcaniclastic rocks of the Choiyoi Group, lower Permian-Triassic in age. The region was characterized by mineral extractions during the last century. Metalliferous mineralization has been recognized in the higher elevation areas of the Conconta and Agua Blanca plutons, with an early paragenesis of wolframite, fluorite, niobium, and quartz, and later deposition of scheelite, in quartz gangue. The latter was observed in the Agua Blanca pluton. The tectonic of the Cisuralian Permian San Rafael phase, compressive in nature, affected mainly the Cerro Agua Negra Formation. An oriented NW-SE fault array on the aforementioned igneous and sedimentary units stands out. Two regional fracturing axes limit laterally this sector of the batholith and match the location of the mineral deposits. A greater ascent of granite basement blocks can be seen to the south of the Conconta pluton and in the surroundings of the Agua Blanca pluton, based both on the intense erosion of its sedimentary host rock and by the little development of mineralization in the Romo sector. The fluid inclusion assemblages present in the veins of the Conconta and Romo sectors are linked with saline and carbonic fluid types, typical of the tungsten deposition cycle.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135938580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A distal femur end of a Stegosauria dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) of the Cameros Basin (Aguilar del Río Alhama, La Rioja province, Spain)","authors":"José J. Moratalla, Rafael P. Lozano","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/003","url":null,"abstract":"This paper describes the distal end of the femur of a dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic of Aguilar del Río Alhama (La Rioja), in the eastern part of the Cameros Basin. Discovered in 2001, it has unfortunately been delocalized for many years, so that it has not been possible to provide an adequate description and interpretation of it before. Although the material is very fragmentary, the morphology of both condyles (tibial and fibular) is well observed. The shallow intercondylar groove, the clearly bilobulated and very wide morphology in distal view, as well as the morphometric indices analyzed, indicate that this specimen could belong to a stegosaurid dinosaur, probably close to the genera Stegosaurus and Dacentrurus. The area of the tibial condyle (mostly on its anterior face) presents a fracture of tectonic origin that is filled with quartz and calcite crystals. This finding constitutes the first osteological remain of the Stegosauria clade in the eastern sector of the Cameros Basin which, together with some ichnites of thyreophorans already known in this area, represents a significant complement on the presence of stegosaurian dinosaurs in the vertebrate communities of the last phase of the Jurassic in the Cameros Basin.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135938907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental recovery of As Pontes mine pit lake","authors":"Francisco Rivas, Javier Samper, Luis Montenegro","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/005","url":null,"abstract":"One of the most common solutions for more than 50 years for the recovery of mine holes generated during mining activities is their transformation into lakes. This paper presents the activities carried out from the closure of the As Pontes mine to the total filling of the mining lake. The environmental solution adopted for the recovery of the mining hole and its transformation into a mining lake is described, as well as the methodology followed for its filling, defining the water sources used, its volume and its chemical quality. Perfect mix and stratified lake models were performed to simulate the final chemical quality of the lake. The details of the studies carried out on waves on the shores of the lake and the stability of the slopes of the mine are also presented. The hydraulic works carried out to reintegrate into the lake the watercourses that were diverted during the mining exploitation are also indicated. Water chemical data of the As Pontes lake collected during and after the filling of the lake show the presence of two well-differentiated zones separated by a chemocline. The uppermost layer has a slightly acid pH and oxic conditions, while the deeper layer has very low pH values and anoxic conditions. The methodology used was successful and the forecasts made are in line with the results obtained both in relation to the filling time of the lake and the quality of the overflow waters, which comply with all the established limits.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135938403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Uplifted marine terraces by active coastal tectonic deformation along the east of Algiers: implications for African and European plate convergence and sea-level curves","authors":"Dinar Haythem, Abdelkader Khiari, Mansouri Zineb, Hassan Taib, Nouali Hana, Boumaza Bilal","doi":"10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.2/004","url":null,"abstract":"Marine terraces are geological features composed of elevated, flat surfaces and steep slopes. The evolution of these terraces is largely influenced by active coastal tectonic deformation. This study investigates the uplift of marine terraces along the east coast of Algiers and its implications for the African and European plate convergence and sea-level curves. The objective of studying marine terraces in the Zemmouri area is to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of the Earth's coastlines and how they have been shaped over time by natural processes such as sea level changes, tectonic activity, geomorphic parameters, and erosion. Marine terraces provide valuable information about the history of sea level changes and the rate of tectonic uplift or subsidence of the coastal areas. Secondary data sources, including qualitative information and high-resolution satellite imagery (SRTM 30 m and ALOS 12.5 m), were used to analyze the impact of sea level on marine terraces. Fieldwork using GPS and altimeter measurements at the site of the Mw=6.8 Zemmouri earthquake that occurred on May 21, 2003, revealed the presence of two well-preserved marine terraces, which serve as important markers for measuring the long-term fault slip rate. The analysis highlights the significance of active coastal tectonic deformation in shaping the coastlines. This research offers new insights into the ongoing processes of plate convergence and sea level change along the east coast of Algiers, contributing to our overall comprehension of coastal evolution and the potential for seismic hazards in the region.","PeriodicalId":45458,"journal":{"name":"BOLETIN GEOLOGICO Y MINERO","volume":"21 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135938577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}