Steptoe Valley NV Data Compilation: Understanding a Stratigraphic Hydrothermal Resource through Geophysical Imaging

Dataset · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EDT 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.15121/2282349· OSTI ID:2282349

Schwering, Paul ^[1]; Jaysaval, Piyoosh; Knox, Hunter; Roth, Melissa; Faulds, James; Mlawsky, Elijah; Ayling, Bridget; Hinz, Nicholas; Siler, Drew; Winn, Carmen; Matson, Gabe; Tomblin, Sydni; Norbeck, Jack; McConville, Emma; Fercho, Steven; Queen, John; Hardwick, Christian

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1. Sandia National Laboratories

Sandia National Laboratories partnered with a multi-disciplinary group of subject matter experts to evaluate a stratigraphic geothermal resource in Steptoe Valley, Nevada using both established and novel geophysical imaging techniques. Provided here are a compilation of newly acquired data over the area and select modeling efforts. This encompasses a 3D geological model (inclusive of full Leapfrog files, Leapfrog viewer files, and XYZ data for faults and stratigraphy) with embedded geophysical modeling, controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) and magnetotelluric (MT) data packages, aqueous spring geochemistry data, seismic reflection interpretations, and a gravity data package. The stratigraphic reservoir in Steptoe Valley was previously discovered during oil and gas exploration. Subsequent studies, such as the Nevada Play Fairway Analysis, added data which further highlighted potential resource targets in the basin. Geophysical surveys, complimented with refined geologic mapping and geochemical sampling, were deployed to further characterize the resource. The resulting 3D geologic interpretation, conceptual model refinements, and reservoir simulations suggest that a power-capable reservoir is economically accessible in the Paleozoic carbonates of the deep/central basin. Additional geophysical characterization and exploration drilling efforts are recommended to calibrate interpretation and determine where/how to potentially develop the Steptoe resource. The geophysical tools, interpretations, lessons learned, and publicly available data generated by this study establish an exploration methodology to inform decisions for successful development of stratigraphic reservoirs.

• Research Organization: DOE Geothermal Data Repository; Sandia National Laboratories
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Program (EE-4G)
• Contributing Organization: Sandia National Laboratories
• OSTI ID: 2282349
• Report Number(s): 1568
• Availability: [e-mail]
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
3D geological model
Geochemistry
MT
Nevada
Steptoe Valley
aqueous
controlled-source electromagnetic
csem
electromagnetics
energy
feasibility
geology
geophysics
geothermal
gravity
hydrothermal
leapfrog
leapfrog energy
magnetotellurics
modeling
processed data
raw data
reflection
seismic
seismic reflection
stratigraphy
water sample