Hydro-geochemical and isotopic fluid evolution of the Los Azufres geothermal field, Central Mexico

Hydrothermal alteration at Los Azufres geothermal field is mostly propylitic with a progressive dehydration with depth and temperature increase. Argillic and advanced argillic zones overlie the propylitic zone owing to the activity of gases in the system. The deepest fluid inclusions (proto-fluid) are liquid-rich with low salinity, with NaCl dominant fluid type and ice melting temperatures (Tmi) near zero (0 °C), and salinities of 0.8 wt% NaCl equivalent. The homogenization temperature (Th) = 325 ± 5 °C. The boiling zone shows Th = ±300 °C and apparent salinities between 1 and 4.9 wt% NaCl equivalent, implying a vaporization process and a very important participation of non-condensable gases (NCGs), mostly CO2. Positive clathrate melting temperatures (fusion) with Th = 150 °C are observed in the upper part of the geothermal reservoir (from 0 to 700 m depth). These could well be the evidence of a high gas concentration. The current water produced at the geothermal wells is NaCl rich (geothermal brine) and is fully equilibrated with the host rock at temperatures between T = 300 and 340 °C. The hot spring waters are acid-sulfate, indicating that they are derived from meteoric water heated by geothermal steam. The NCGs related to the steam dominant zone are composed mostly of CO2 (80–98% of all the gases). The gases represent between 2 and 9 wt% of the total mass of the fluid of the reservoir.