Interpretation of geophysical data for the Vale, Oregon geothermal system
Conference
·
OSTI ID:494387
- Southern Methodist Univ., Dallas, TX (United States)
The Vale, Oregon geothermal system is located on the western edge of the Snake River Plain. The Vale hot springs discharge 164{degrees}F (73{degrees}C) water at about 20 gpm into the Malheur River. The surface heat flow anomaly is about 8.5 miles (13.5 km) long by 2 miles (3 km) wide, as defined by the 7{degrees}F/100feet (127{degrees}C/km) temperature gradient contour, and has a conductive heat output greater than 10 MW. Maximum observed subsurface temperatures are approximately 2907 (143{degrees}C), close to the estimated geochemical reservoir temperature of about 320{degrees}F (160{degrees}C). Data from 54 shallow temperature gradient holes, several existing deep wells, one new deep well, and geophysical surveys, were used to construct a conceptual model of the geothermal system. The temperature gradient anomaly correlates very well with a gravity high and a small topography high, suggesting a buried horst block, volcanic center or other elevated structure. The upflow is in a buried igneous structure, or along faults, with perhaps some shallow lateral flow driven by local topography. Exploration wells appear to have come close to the main flow system, but have not hit permeability.
- OSTI ID:
- 494387
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960913--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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