GIS-based analysis for regional exploration in the geothermal province of intraplate volcanism in the Center of Mexico

The regional evaluation of the intraplate volcanism province is attempted using the Play Fairway Analysis. This province is characterized by recent alkaline volcanism that is not related with the previous Farallon Plate subduction of the present Cocos Plate subduction. This volcanism is constrained to the main structures related with the Basin and Range processes of extensional tectonism.

A geographic information system is constructed by including geological and geophysical data. Thematic maps are developed with the information that is considered relevant for the location of areas with favorable conditions to host geothermal systems, with or without surface manifestations, i.e. including the blind geothermal systems. This work includes information of the occurrence of recent volcanism (age less than 2 Ma), geological structures, seismic activity, shallow Curie Point Depth, surface heat flow, crustal thickness, hydrothermal manifestations (hydrothermal alteration, thermal fluids discharge, etc.). Data integration is performed using a “Knowledge driven” model with three different geothermal play models producing play fairway evaluations. The presence of several areas with high favorability was identified to lead future detailed exploration in the field.