Geothermal play-fairway analysis of Washington State prospects
- Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, Olympia, WA (United States)
- AltaRock Energy, Inc., Seattle, WA (United States)
- BOS Technologies, LLC, Seattle, WA (United States)
- Temple Univ., Philadelphia, PA (United States)
- USDA Forest Service, Missoula, MT (United States)
Herein, analysis of existing geologic, geophysical, and geochemical data revealed areas with elevated heat and permeability, defining three promising plays along the central axis of the magmatic arc of Washington State: Mount St. Helens, Wind River valley, and the southeast flank of Mount Baker. These areas are geothermal ‘fairways’, or locations with high geothermal resource potential based on modeling. This project applies innovative data analyses (Poly3D) in conjunction with methods proven in previous geothermal favorability studies (ArcGIS and MATLAB) to extract new value from existing public data. Heat and permeability potential models for each play are weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, and combined to map geothermal resource potential and locations for further data collection at each site. Heat potential is based on: (1) temperature gradients, (2) volcanic vents, (3) Quaternary intrusive rocks, (4) spring temperature, and (5) spring geothermometry. Permeability potential is based on: (1) slip and (2) dilation tendency on mapped and seismic faults (3) maximum shear strain rate, and (4) dilatational strain rate at the surface, (5) modeled fault displacement distribution, and (6) displacement gradient, (7) shear, and (8) tensile fracture density, and (9) local geology and geophysical data. This information is vital for revealing the small scale heat and permeability potential of each study area, locating areas of undiscovered or untapped resources, and reducing the risk and cost involved in greenfield exploration and development. Preliminary analysis of the three play areas shows promise for geothermal development. Uncertainty modeling is underway and the results will guide future exploration plans.
- Research Organization:
- Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources, Olympia, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0006728
- OSTI ID:
- 1839964
- Journal Information:
- Transactions - Geothermal Resources Council, Vol. 39; Conference: Geothermal Rising Conference, Reno, Nevada, September 20-23, 2015; ISSN 0193-5933
- Publisher:
- Geothermal Resources Council
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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