Seismic refraction investigation of the Salton Sea geothermal area, Imperial Valley, California
Seven seismic refraction profiles and four long-distance refraction shots have been used to investigate the Salton Sea geothermal area. From these data, two models of the geothermal and adjacent area are proposed. Model 1 proposes a basement high within the geothermal area trending parallel to the axis of the Imperial Valley. Model 2 assumes a horizontal basement in the E-W direction, and proposes a seismic velocity gradient that increases the apparent basement velocity from east to west approximately 15% within the geothermal area. Both models propose basement dip of 3 degrees to the south, yielding a thickness of sediments of 6.6 km near Brawley, California, in the center of the Imperial Valley. Based on offsets inferred in the sedimentary seismic layers of the geothermal area, two NW-SE trending fault zones are proposed.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Riverside (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5716342
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-15174; UCR/IGPP-78/19
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
150301* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys
CALIFORNIA
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC MODELS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
Geothermal Legacy
IMPERIAL VALLEY
NORTH AMERICA
REFRACTION
SALTON SEA GEOTHERMAL FIELD
SEDIMENTS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
USA
VELOCITY
WESTERN REGION