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A groundwater convection model for Rio Grande rift geothermal resourcesIt has been proposed that forced convection, driven by normal groundwater flow through the interconnected basins of the Rio Grande rift is the primary source mechanism for the numerous geothermal anomalies along the rift. A test of this concept using an analytical model indicates that significant forced convection must occur in the basins even if permeabilities are as low as 50-200 millidarcies at a depth of 2 km. Where groundwater flow is constricted at the discharge areas of the basins forced convection can locally increase the gradient to a level where free convection also occurs, generating surface heat flow anomalies 5-15 times background. A compilation of groundwater data for the rift basins shows a strong correlation between constrictions in groundwater flow and hot springs and geothermal anomalies, giving strong circumstantial support to the convection model.
Document ID
19830030613
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Morgan, P.
(Lunar and Planetary Institute Houston, TX, United States)
Harder, V.
(Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX, United States)
Daggett, P. H.
(Texas, University El Paso, TX, United States)
Swanberg, C. A.
(New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Geothermal Resources Council
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
83A11831
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3389
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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