Evaluation of low-temperature geothermal potential of Cache Valley, Utah

Conference · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6376604

De Vries, J L

This research is a continuation of the assessment of low-temperature geothermal resources of Cache Valley, Utah, initiated by the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey. Ground-water temperatures range from 9.9 to 50.0/sup 0/C, with a background temperature of about 13.0/sup 0/C. The three areas in the study area with anomalous water temperatures are: 1) North Logan, 16.0 to 25.1/sup 0/C; 2) Benson, 13.5 to 23.0/sup 0/C; and 3) Trenton, which has evidence for past and present warm spring activity, with temperatures ranging from 22.9 to 50.1/sup 0/C. Thermal gradients generally range from 15/sup 0/ to 52/sup 0/C/km, approximately the same as the average thermal gradient for the Basin and Range province, 35/sup 0/C/km. The silica and Na-K-Ca geothermometers, when applied to the groundwater of Cache Valley, Utah, show varying degrees of agreement, with estimated reservoir temperatures averaging 50 to 100/sup 0/C. When the mixing models are applied to the water in the Trenton area, estimated reservoir temperatures are 30 to 200/sup 0/C. Warm water in Cache Valley, Utah, appears to be the result of groundwater which has migrated from depth, is warmed by the normal thermal gradient, rises quickly along permeable fault zones, and either mixes with near surface recharge water or is forced to flow horizontally because of a less permeable confining layer. Both of these models mask the higher temperatures at depth. Considering measured surface temperatures, calculated reservoir temperatures, thermal gradients, and the local geology, most of the Cache Valley, Utah, area is unsuitable for geothermal development. The warm water has potential for isolated energy development but is not warm enough for major commercial development.

• Research Organization: Hotline Energy Reports, Casper, WY
• OSTI ID: 6376604
• Report Number(s): CONF-8309274-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 67:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150100* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
USA
UTAH