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Geology topics

Z. Aunzo

Publications and source records attributed to Z. Aunzo.

2 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1991

Pre-exploitation state of the Ahuachapán geothermal field, El Salvador

The lithology and structural features of the Ahuachapán geothermal area and their impact on the movement of cold and hot fluids within the system are described, as well as the development and evaluation of the natural state model of the field. Four major lithologic units are present in Ahuachapán and three major aquifers have been identified; flow patterns and zones of fluid mixing were located on the basis of temperature and geochemical data from wells and surface manifestations. Geologic structures control the heat and fluid recharge and the flow within the reservoir. Modeling studies suggest, in agreement with field data, an overall average transmissivity of 25–35 darcy-meters, and indicate that the system is recharged by waters with temperatures greater than 250°C. The total thermal throughflow for the Ahuachapán reservoir in the unexploited state is estimated to be about 250 MW t .

Geothermics↗
USGS1991

Changes in thermodynamic conditions of the Ahuachapán reservoir due to production and injection

Since large-scale exploitation of the Ahuachapán reservoir began in 1975 large changes in the reservoir thermodynamic conditions have occurred. Drawdown of up to 15 bars and significant temperature changes have been observed in the wellfield. Temperatures have declined due to boiling in the reservoir in response to the pressure drawdown; localized and minor cooling due to reinjection of spent geothermal fluids have also been observed. There are indications of cold fluid influx deep into the reservoir from the west and north. Reservoir temperatures show that a significant amount of hot fluid recharge comes to the wellfield from the southeast, and temperatures also indicate that the recharge rate has increased with time as pressure declines in the reservoir. Chemical analyses of the produced fluids show that most wells are fed by a mixture of geothermal fluids and cooler, less-saline waters. The cold water inflow has increased due to exploitation, as demonstrated by decreased salinity of the produced fluids.

Geothermics↗