Geothermics, Vol.23, No.3, 283-304, 1994
THE GEOTHERMAL AREA OF EL-PILAR-CASANAY, STATE OF SUCRE, VENEZUELA - GEOCHEMICAL-EXPLORATION AND MODEL
A geochemical survey was carried out in the El Pilar-Casanay area, State of Sucre, Venezuela, in order to ascertain its geothermoelectric potential. The area is characterized by many natural manifestations with temperatures in the range 80-100-degrees-C. The area investigated seems capable of producing high-enthalpy geothermal fluids; a deep reservoir is inferred, composed of a medium salinity (<5000 ppm) and neutral brine, with computed temperatures between 250 and 300-degrees-C, and with a high CO2 partial pressure. A second shallower reservoir is assumed to exist, with a temperature of the order of 200-220-degrees-C. The deep reservoir is shown to be liquid-dominated, while water and steam occupy the shallow one. The piezometric level (elevation 150 m) regulates the areal distribution of water springs and fumaroles. A partial self-sealing (mineral alteration) along outflows allows accumulation of hot fluids, while recharge is from local meteoric water.