Scientific drilling to study the roots of active hydrothermal systems related to young magmatic intrusions. [Abstract only]

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:6019861

Muffler, L J.P.

At present, hydrothermal-magma processes can be studied only inferentially, using observations on hot springs and volcanic rocks, data from shallow- and intermediate-depth drill holes, analogies with exhumed fossil systems, and extrapolation of laboratory investigations. The Thermal Regimes Panel of the Continental Scientific Drilling Committee in a draft report concludes that an understanding of active hydrothermal-magma systems requires drill-hole investigations of deeper and hotter levels than have been drilled and studied to date. The Panel groups hydrothermal-magma systems in the United States into five classes: (1) dominantly andesitic centers, (2) spreading ridges, (3) basaltic fields, (4) evolved basaltic centers, and (5) silicic caldera complexes. Application of eight scientific criteria and three social criteria leads to the conclusion that silicic caldera complexes should be the first target of a focused drilling program to investigate the hydrothermal-magma interface at depths of 5 to 7 km. Primary targets are the three young, silicic caldera systems in the western conterminous United States: Yellowstone (Wyoming), Valles (New Mexico), and Long Valley (California). Scientific drilling of these active hydrothermal-magma systems complements scientific drilling proposed for fossil systems such as Creede (Colorado). In addition, the roots of the Salton Sea geothermal system (California) present an opportunity for add-on deep drilling and scientific experiments to supplement geothermal drilling by industry in this active spreading-ridge environment.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
• OSTI ID: 6019861
• Journal Information: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Vol. 15:5; ISSN GAAPB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150200 -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems
150303* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Exploratory Drilling & Well Logging
150901 -- Geothermal Engineering-- Drilling Technology & Well Hardware
BOREHOLES
CAVITIES
DRILLING
ENERGY SYSTEMS
GEOLOGY
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
MAGMA SYSTEMS
PLANNING