Use of surface gravity methods in monitoring subsurface reservoir changes, with case studies at Cerro Prieto, Mexico, and Heber, California

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

OSTI ID:6375178

Grannell, R B

Precise gravimetry is useful for monitoring reservoir changes during geothermal production. Temporal gravity changes are due to mass and elevation changes; when leveling accompanies repeated gravity observations, mass and elevation factors are separable, and each can be quantified. Gravity monitoring must be initiated prior to production, since non-geothermal changes are numerous and of large magnitude. Microgal precisions are required, since expected changes are .05-.1 mgal in magnitude, depending on production. State-of-the-art instruments are adequate, but several readings are required. Ongoing studies at Cerro Prieto show no significant changes in two years (confirmed by leveling); similar work has been started at Heber. Precisions range from 8 to 15 microgals for both surveys.

• Research Organization: California State Univ., Long Beach
• OSTI ID: 6375178
• 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
CERRO PRIETO GEOTHERMAL FIELD
ENERGY SYSTEMS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GRAVITY SURVEYS
HEBER GEOTHERMAL FIELD
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
LEVELS
MASS
MONITORING
SURVEYS