Heat flow map and geothermal resources in Mexico

Abstract

Heat flow maps are a powerful tool for regional exploration of geothermal resources. Mexico is one of the main producers ofgeothermal energy and the search for undiscovered resources at a regional level should be based on heat flow values. Here, we
 present a heat flow map at 1:4,000,000 scale, produced with heat flow data compiled from open data bases and previously unpub-lished data. The compiled heat flow data includes bottom hole temperature, temperature logs, transient temperature measurements
 and measured temperature logs. The new data were calculated from temperature gradient information and estimating a mean con-ductivity value characteristic for the type of rock present in the stratigraphic column or assigning the mean conductivity value for
 the crust. Geothermal gradient and the thermal resistivity (inverse thermal conductivity) were plotted and heat flow was calculatedusing the Bullard method. The map covers the whole continental territory of Mexico and shows that most of the country has valueshigher than the world average. The highest heat flow values are concentrated in two provinces: the Gulf of California extensionalprovince and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Evaluation of the cooling potential for a single effect absorption cooling system in the PR2 well of Cerritos Colorados geothermal field, Mexico

“…For this first study, well PR2 is analyzed using data obtained from Table 1. The depth and geothermal gradient data were taken from Pról-Ledesma et al. (2018), and the temperature data from Gutierrez-Negrin (1988).…”

A Review of North American Prospects for Power and Hot-Water Generation with Thermal Energy

“…As expected, Mexico offers a large spectrum of high geothermal gradient potential above 0.11°C/m, as Figure 12 illustrates. The Prol-Ledesma et al [36] study provided the platform for this prosperous prospect. Therefore, the enormous potential for electricity generation exists in Mexico, given the favorable geothermal gradient and the consequent shallower well depth opportunity; Figure 13 reaffirms this point.…”

“…The heat-flow map of Mexico provides clarity of the immense potential for thermal energy extraction (a), and high geothermal gradient prospects (b) (after [36,37]).…”

From hot rock to useful energy: A global estimate of enhanced geothermal systems potential

“…Mexico [51,52], South America [53], and some other countries or regions [54] are collected and compared with the IHFC database. Then, the data is calibrated and combined with the database.…”