New geothermal field being explored at Baja California, Mexico
Cerro Prieto geothermal plant (source: Government of Baja California, creative commons)
Francisco Rojas
17 Feb 2015
An active geothermal area close to Cerro Prieto in Baja California is being investigated by the CICESE and the CFE for a possible viable new area ready for development.
According to local news, since April 27, 2010, geologists from the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE) in Mexico have documented the activity of the fumarole Pescadores in Baja California. The national mexican commission for electricity, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) presumed that this area might be a viable geothermal area ready for development. John Fletcher, researcher and geologist CICESE was the first researcher who discovered said area, while conducting fieldwork related to the aftermath effects of an earthquake of April 4th 2010. The academic confirmed to a local newspaper that a plume or “geyser” was found by rescuers from the Fire Brigade and has been active since the earthquake took place.
A scientific publication from 2014 notes that it is a prominent fumarole that emits a large vapor cloud that can be seen for miles. The same publication also indicates the steam output is 1.5 meters in diameter and release of vapor is perceived between cracks about 5 meters around the “geyser”. This new eruption is 16 kilometers away from the geothermal field of Cerro Prieto which has a proven track record of geothermal use for electricity generation.
Source: La Cronica
