Evaluation and targeting of geothermal energy resources in the southeastern United States. Progress report, May 1, 1976--October 31, 1976
Progress is reported in the development of procedures for the evaluation of low-temperature radiogenically-derived geothermal resources in the eastern United States utilizing geological geochemical, and geophysical data. An optimum site for geothermal development in the tectonically stable eastern United States will probably be associated with crustal igneous rocks containing relatively high concentrations of radiogenic heat-producing elements buried beneath an insulating blanket of sediments of low thermal conductivity. Evaluation of plutonic rocks exposed in the Piedmont will aid in the interpretation of gravity and magnetic data for the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Initial results of determination of heat generation from surface samples in South Caroline are encouraging, especially if granitic igneous rocks of similar heat generation can be found beneath sedimentary insulation. Continues logging of existing wells in Coastal Plain sediments supports earlier conclusion that these sediments do behave as efficient sedimentary insulators. Higher temperatures appear to be reached at shallower depths for wells drilled in Coastal Plain sediments in the vicinity of the Georgetown, South Carolina gravity law. Detailed structural mapping in the vicinity of the warm springs in northwestern Virginia has confirmed structural control of the warm springs, and has revealed the existence of kink bands. The kink bands could be related to the development of zones of vertical permeability which serve as conduits in sedimentary rocks for ascending hot water.
- Research Organization:
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7257609
- Report Number(s):
- VPI-SU-5103-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Evaluation and targeting of geothermal energy resources in the southeastern United States. Progress report, October 1--December 31, 1977
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Related Subjects
150101* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability-- USA-- (-1989)
150201 -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems-- USA-- (-1989)
BIOTITE
CENTRAL REGION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DRILL CORES
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
Geothermal Legacy
HEAT SOURCES
IGNEOUS ROCKS
MAPS
MICA
MINERALS
NORTH AMERICA
NORTH CAROLINA
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SAMPLING
SEDIMENTS
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTHEAST REGION
THERMAL SPRINGS
USA
VIRGINIA
WELL LOGGING