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Magnetometry survey applied to geothermal exploration in Chachimbiro, Northern Ecuador

Abstract:

Geophysical surveys are efficient ways to obtain information on subsurface structures. One of the geophysical technique used is the magnetic method, useful to detect shallow structures and changes in magnetization due to several processes, such as faulting and hydrothermal alterations. The use of these resources for electricity production is very limited in South America. Chachimbiro, in northern Ecuador, is one of the potential site for developing a geothermal power plant. The objective of this project is to provide complementary studies to improve the existing model. We performed high resolution magnetometry survey of ~30 m spacing between survey points around the drilling area to get a better understanding of the shallow structure above the reservoir. Also, two additional survey lines with ~5 m spacing though faults in the area. As result we get a magnetic anomaly map showing the distribution of anomalies in the study area and several elevation and magnetic profiles for A-A’, B-B’ and C-C’ lines. We then compared our results with existing magnetotelluric and gravimetric data, which are less precise for shallow structural features. Magnetic survey at the area of Chachimbiro showed the usefulness of this method to locate magnetic anomalies related to topography, faulting and hydrothermal alterations.