Mechanism of induced seismicity at the Geysers geothermal reservoir, California
The Geysers reservoir is situated in a 60--80 km-wide right-lateral shear zone associated with the North American-Pacific plate boundary. A small fraction of the shear may be occurring as permanent aseismic creep, which is being converted to stick-slip movement in the Geysers reservoir due to steam production. Two mechanisms could be responsible for the induced seismicity: a large (>100 bars) increase in effective rock pressure; and an increase in the coefficient of friction. The first mechanism requires that the initial state of the reservoir be predominantly liquid-dominated. The second mechanism is a consequence of dehydration of the reservoir causing both the 'hardening' of clay and fault gouge, and the precipitation of silica.
- Research Organization:
- Geophysics Div., D.S.I.R., Private Bag, Taupo, New Zealand
- OSTI ID:
- 6700985
- Journal Information:
- Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Vol. 9:6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEYSERS GEOTHERMAL FIELD
SEISMICITY
CREEP
FRICTION
PLATE TECTONICS
RESERVOIR ROCK
SLIP
STRESSES
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
TECTONICS
580201* - Geophysics- Seismology & Tectonics- (1980-1989)
150201 - Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems- USA- (-1989)