Elsevier, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, (249), p. 1-11
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2012.09.006
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Isotopes of noble gases, CO 2 , H 2 O and Sr were measured in 10 geothermal wells and 8 hot springs, fumaroles and mud volcanoes at Los Azufres, the second most important geothermal field in Mexico. The aim of this study is to provide additional information on fluid circulation in the field and surrounding areas (Araró hot springs), as well as on physical processes such as boiling, steam separation and invasion of re-injected brines following over 25 years of geothermal fluid exploitation. Mantle helium dominates in fluids from the north-ern production zone of Marítaro, with measured 3 He/ 4 He ratios up to 7 Ra (where Ra is the atmospheric ratio of 1.386 × 10 −6). 3 He/ 4 He ratios are positively correlated with 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios and with δD and δ 18 O. These relationships suggest that Los Azufres fluids represent a mixing between primary magmatic 3 He-rich fluids and groundwater currently discharging at Araró hot springs and enriched in radiogenic 4 He acquired from Miocene andesites. Unusually high He ratios together with radiogenic Sr isotopic ratios suggest that thermal waters acquired mantle He from deep-seated parent magmas and radiogenic Sr possibly during their uprising through the metamorphic basement. 40 Ar/ 36 Ar ratios of 366 to 429 measured in two wells indicate either mantle-derived argon or a radiogenic 40 Ar in situ component, suggesting the local presence of an older crust-al fluid component in the northern part of the field. Ne, Kr and Xe are entirely of atmospheric origin, but pro-cesses of boiling, steam separation and re-injection of used brines have led to fractionation of their elemental abundances. Comparison with previous studies suggests that the boiling zone in the northern production zone is currently extending further north (Marítaro hot springs). In the southwestern productive zone, re-injected brines might account for more than 90% of the exploited fluids.