12 Tectonics, Volcanism, and Sediment Dispersal Within and Proximal to the Rio Grande Rift and Southern Rocky Mountains

This session integrates research on coupled tectonics, volcanism, and sediment dispersal in the Rio Grande Rift and southern Rockies. We examine how extensional faulting controls volcanic processes and reshapes sediment routing from Colorado through Texas.

Monday, 18 May 2026
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Alvarado A

Regional-scale to Local-scale Exploration of Geothermal Systems in the Rio Grande Rift Zone

Paper number: 12-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:55 PM – 4:15 PM

Authors

Abstract

The Rio Grande Rift Zone of West Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado is a key geological feature known for its high heat flow and numerous hot springs, presenting significant potential for conventional and next-generation geothermal technology deployment. However, the Southern portion of the rift remains poorly understood. In addition, there are limited heat flow data available in the entire rift zone. We conduct a multi-attribute-based machine learning-assisted play fairway analysis to identify favorable areas for geothermal development. We used regional geologic, geophysical, geodetic, and topographic attributes along with known geothermal system data in the model development. Our model suggests the upper Arkansas River, Middle Rio Grande, Jornada, Palomas, Tularosa, Hueco, and Presidio sub-basins as prospective areas for geothermal development. We selected one of these areas from the play fairway analysis for further sub-regional scale study.

Based on our analysis, geothermal gradients in areas proximal to the rift in SW Texas near the U.S.–Mexico border reach 40–50 °C/km, compared to ~30 °C/km in interior regions, away from the rift. These elevated geothermal gradients point to favorable conditions for both hydrothermal and advanced systems, such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and closed-loop geothermal systems (CLGS). We integrate outcrops, petrophysical logs, 2D seismic, and high-resolution gravity data to map the rift-related structures and the Precambrian basement, a potential target for EGS or CLGS in the region. Our analysis reveals basement depths varying regionally from outcrops to more than 6 km (~20,000 ft) in the subsurface. The basement is highly heterogeneous, in terms of rock types and reservoir properties, which impact resource estimates. Abundant natural fractures are observed in the cores, which can either facilitate or impede fluid flow, depending on the technologies used for long-term heat extraction.

Beyond scientific importance, the Rio Grande Rift, especially the southern part, presents compelling business opportunities for energy demand and market development. Regional industries, such as agriculture, water desalination, and manufacturing could benefit from reliable heat and power, while cross‑border businesses could strengthen the local economy. We propose that regional partnerships and field pilots are critical next steps for derisking and encouraging commercial development.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410732

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