Low-altitude aeromagnetic survey of a portion of the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, Inyo County, California

Technical Report · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5598190· OSTI ID:5598190

Fox, R C

A detailed low-altitude aeromagnetic survey of 576 line-mi (927 line-km) was completed over a portion of the Coso Hot Springs KGRA in September 1977. The survey has defined a pronounced magnetic low that could help delineate the geothermal system. The magnetic low has an areal extent of approximately 10 sq mi (26 sq km). Direct and indirect evidence indicates that this anomaly is due, in part, to magnetite destruction by hydrothermal solutions associated with the geothermal system. The anomaly generally coincides with two other geophysical anomalies which are directly associated with the system: (1) a bedrock electrical resistivity low; and (2) an area of relatively high near-surface temperatures. The highest measured heat flow, 18 HFU, also occurs within its boundary. The magnetic low occurs at the intersection of two major structural zones which coincide with a complementary set of strike-slip fault zones determined from seismic activity. The intersection of these two zones of active tectonism probably served as the locus for emplacement of a pluton at depth, above which are observed the coincidental geophysical anomalies and surface manifestations related to the geothermal system.

• Research Organization: Utah Univ., Salt Lake City (USA). Research Inst.
• OSTI ID: 5598190
• Report Number(s): IDO-77.5.7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150301* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys
AERIAL SURVEYING
CALIFORNIA
COSO HOT SPRINGS
ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
Geothermal Legacy
HEAT FLOW
KGRA
MAGNETIC SURVEYS
NORTH AMERICA
RESISTIVITY SURVEYS
TECTONICS
USA
WESTERN REGION