Seismological investigations near Leach Hot Springs, Nevada

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union; (United States)

OSTI ID:7364733

Majer, E; Liaw, A; McEvilly, T V

Seismological methods, including studies of microearthquakes, background seismic noise, and P-wave time delays, are being investigated as tools for delineation of potential geothermal reservoirs in the Battle Mountain, Nevada region of high heat flow. The research is part of a comprehensive program involving feasibility studies of numerous geological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques in geothermal site investigations. Concentrated observations in Grass Valley, around Leach Hot Springs, have detected moderate microearthquake activity on a trend crossing the southern end of the Valley with occasional swarms in the area of high heat flow (4-5 hfu) at the north end of the Tobin Range. P-waves show expected delays over the deep valley but are anomalously fast (0.2-0.3 sec) and rich in high frequencies in the vicinity of the hot springs. Systematic and repeatable variations in the spectral characteristics of background seismic noise are seen which seem clearly related to the valley depth and geometry. Amplitude, frequency, and wavenumber studies of the noise are underway in search for characteristics reflecting structural details.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Berkeley
• OSTI ID: 7364733
• Journal Information: EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union; (United States), Journal Name: EOS, Trans., Am. Geophys. Union; (United States) Vol. 57:3; ISSN EOSTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150301* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys
EARTHQUAKES
EXPLORATION
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
MICROEARTHQUAKES
NEVADA
NORTH AMERICA
SEISMIC EVENTS
SEISMIC NOISE
SEISMIC P WAVES
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SEISMIC WAVES
SEISMOLOGY
USA
WESTERN REGION