Geostatistical mapping of the depth to the bottom of magnetic sources and heat flow estimations in Mexico

authored by

Juan Luis Carrillo-de la Cruz, Rosa María Prol-Ledesma, Gerald Gabriel

Abstract

The depth to the bottom of magnetic sources (DBMS) is widely used as a proxy for crustal thermal structures. In this study, the DBMS is calculated using the spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data for the whole territory of Mexico. By assuming the DBMS to be related to the Curie point depth, the heat flow distribution is estimated. The DBMS and heat flow maps were constructed using geostatistical simulations to quantitatively determine standard deviation as uncertainty. The results show a good agreement with the complex geologic and tectonic setting in Mexico. Small DBMS values (high heat flow) as expected appear in areas where recent volcanism occurs and at seafloor spreading zones. In contrast, large values are present in tectonically stable zones.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Geology

External Organisation(s)

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG)

Type

Article

Journal

GEOTHERMICS

Volume

97

ISSN

0375-6505

Publication date

12.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology, Geology

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102225 (Access: Open)