Evaluation and targeting of geothermal energy resources in the southeastern United States. Progress report, July 1--September 30, 1977
The objective of this program is to develop and apply targeting procedures for the evaluation of low-temperature radiogenically-derived geothermal resources in the eastern United States utilizing geological, geochemical, and geophysical data. The near-term resource assessment for Region V (the states east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding Texas and Louisiana) places primary programmatic emphasis on the confirmation of radiogenic resources in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. This emphasis is based on the partial confirmation of the radiogenic model as described in this and previous reports from VPI and SU. Geothermal gradients known to date in the Atlantic Coastal Plain are consistent with those expected from a concealed radiogenic source. Our current work in the Piedmont appears to be confirming the linear relationship between heat flow and heat generation. This is important because it permits theoretical calculations of temperatures to be expected within the sediments of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, in the granitic rocks beneath the Coastal Plain, and in those exposed in the Piedmont. Sixteen holes suitable for excellent heat flow determinations have been drilled by VPI and SU and will be reported on as the holes reach thermal equilibrium and chemical analyses and heat determination of core samples are completed. Reconnaissance surface sampling of igneous rocks was carried out to define the variation in surface heat generation that might be expected. Collation of existing gravity and magnetic data available for the Atlantic Coastal Plain was completed and modeling of selected negative gravity anomalies has begun. Insight into restrictions on the vertical distribution of heat-producing elements is being obtained by consideration of restraints imposed by analyses of metamorphic mineral assemblages.
- Research Organization:
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg (USA). Dept. of Geological Sciences
- OSTI ID:
- 7042936
- Report Number(s):
- VPI-SU-5103-5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Evaluation and targeting of geothermal energy resources in the southeastern United States. Progress report, May 1, 1976--October 31, 1976
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Related Subjects
150101* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability-- USA-- (-1989)
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS
GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMAL GRADIENTS
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
Geothermal Legacy
HEAT FLOW
HEAT SOURCES
IGNEOUS ROCKS
INFORMATION
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SAMPLING
SOUTHEAST REGION
TABLES
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
WELL LOGGING