A reconnaissance study of the hydrothermal characteristics of Pilgrim Springs, Alaska

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3231031· OSTI ID:6897274

Osterkamp, T E; Gosink, J P

A reconnaissance level study of the Pilgrim Springs geothermal system was conducted to determine the near-surface thermal regime and to obtain information on the ground water flow regime within the thawed ground area. Measurements included soil temperatures, apparent electrical conductivity of the soil, electrical conductivity and temperature in the Pilgrim River, saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil and ground water flow characteristics (direction and velocity). In addition the size, number and characteristics (geometry, direction of flow) of nearsurface convective plumes were investigated. Measured temperature profiles were used to estimate ground water flow velocities. There are approximately 2-3 km/sup 2/ of thawed ground surrounded by permafrost on the order of 100m in thickness. The highest temperatures were found in the southwest quadrant of the thawed area where a pool of ground water at approx. = 92/sup 0/C exists at 14-32 m below the ground surface. Temperature measurements suggest that water in the pool is flowing laterally and vertically. Temperature and electrical conductivity measurements suggest that this pool of water underlies most of the thawed ground area although the possibility of several, unconnected sources of hot water and multiple pools has not been ruled out. Conductivity measurements suggest that hot and/or saline water rises in convective plumes from the pool at about 40-60 sites. The Pilgrim River appears to be heated by heat transfer from the geothermal area. Saline ground water enters the Pilgrim River, probably through its bed, increasing the conductivity of the river water.

• Research Organization: Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska
• OSTI ID: 6897274
• Journal Information: J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Energy Resour. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 106:1; ISSN JERTD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150201 -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems-- USA-- (-1989)
150301* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys
ALASKA
CONVECTION
DIMENSIONS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
EXPLORATION
FEDERAL REGION X
FLOW RATE
GEOMETRY
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GROUND WATER
HEAT TRANSFER
HOT WATER
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
MATHEMATICS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERMAFROST
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLUMES
RIVERS
SEAWATER
SIZE
SOILS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
THAWING
THERMAL SPRINGS
THICKNESS
USA
VELOCITY
WATER
WATER SPRINGS