Airborne electromagnetic surveys as a reconnaissance technique for geothermal exploration

Conference · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6167592

Christopherson, K R; Long, C L; Hoover, D B

INPUT airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys were conducted during 1979 in five Known Geothermal Resource Areas (KGRA's). AEM work has not been significantly utilized in the past for geothermal purposes because it was thought that a shallow exploration technique would not be effective. Extensive audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) work by the USGS in KGRA's showed that many geothermal systems do have a near-surface electrical signature which should be detectable by an AEM system. INPUT responses in the form of nested electromagnetic (EM) profiles and channel ratio maps defined the same conductive zones mapped by AMT in five KGRA's, showing that AEM methods can be useful in exploration for and defining geothermal systems.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 6167592
• Report Number(s): CONF-800920-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150301* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys
AERIAL SURVEYING
CALIFORNIA
ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEYS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
IDAHO
KGRA
LONG VALLEY
NEVADA
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
RAFT RIVER VALLEY
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
SURVEYS
USA
WESTERN REGION