The structural architecture of the Los Humeros volcanic complex and geothermal field

TL;DR

This paper investigates the structural architecture of the Los Humeros volcanic complex to understand its volcano-tectonic interactions and geothermal resource characteristics, utilizing subsurface data for a 3D structural analysis.

Contribution

It provides a detailed 3D structural model of LHVC, enhancing understanding of volcano-tectonic interplay in caldera systems.

Findings

3D structural view of LHVC obtained from subsurface data

Insights into volcano-tectonic interactions in caldera systems

Implications for geothermal resource development

Abstract

The Los Humeros Volcanic Complex (LHVC) is a large silicic caldera complex in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), hosting a geothermal field currently in exploitation by the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) of Mexico, with an installed capacity of ca. 95 MW of electric power. Understanding the structural architecture of LHVC is important to get insights into the interplay between the volcano-tectonic setting and the characteristics of the geothermal resources in the area. The analysis of volcanotectonic interplay in LHVC benefits from the availability of subsurface data obtained during the exploration of the geothermal reservoir that allows the achievement of a 3D structural view of the volcano system. The LHVC thus represents an important natural laboratory for the development of general models of volcano-tectonic interaction in calderas.