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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Monitoring crustal deformation in The Geysers-Clear Lake geothermal area, California

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5632110· OSTI ID:5632110
Geodetic surveys since 1972-1973 reveal significant crustal deformation in The Geysers-Clear Lake region. Resurveys of precise control networks are measuring both vertical and horizontal ground movement, with most of the change continuing in the area of geothermal fluid withdrawal. Preliminary evidence suggests right-lateral horizontal movement on northwest-trending fault systems and vertical and horizontal compression of the deep geothermal reservoir system. A direct correlaton is suggested between ground-surface deformation and subsurface pressure changes in the reservoir system. Although surface changes appear too small to be of environmental concern in The Geysers-Clear Lake region, they indicate hydrodynamic changes in the reservoir of significant import.
Research Organization:
Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5632110
Report Number(s):
USGS-OFR-78-597; ON: DE84900013
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English