Heat flow and the thermal regime in the Clifton, Arizona Area

Four heat flow measurements in the Clifton, Arizona area are available for interpretation. Three of the heat flow measurements are detailed in this report. Reiter and Shearer (1979) reported the additional heat flow measurement. Analysis of the data shows significant movement of groundwater in the area, which masks the regional heat flow. Near-surface heat-flow measurements in the drill holes less than 350 m deep have values ranging between 0.4 HFU and 2.3 HFU. The Clifton area regional heat flow is believed to be 2.25 HFU, Hot springs in the area, with discharge temperatures up to 82 degrees C, are surface manifestations of local geothermal convection system(s). Low measured-heat-flow values, compared to the regional heat flow, result from lateral or downward flow of water in the Clifton area, or from a combination of both; the water flow may recharge the hot spring-geothermal convection system(s). Available data suggest that the convective systems are heated by regional heat flow although a hypothetical magmatic heat source masked by water flow is not disproven. (28 pages)