Geothermal Energy Resource Assessment

Technical Report · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/892810· OSTI ID:892810

Wollenberg, H A; Asaro, F; Bowman, H; McEvilly, T; Morrison, F; Witherspoon, P

This report covers the objectives and the status of a long-range program to develop techniques for assessing the resource potential of liquid-dominated geothermal systems. Field studies underway in northern Nevada comprise a systematic integrated program of geologic, geophysical, and geochemical measurements, necessary to specify a drilling program encompassing heat flow holes, deep calibration holes, and ultimately, deep test wells. The status of Nevada field activities is described. The areas under study are in a region characterized by high heat flow where temperatures at depth in some geothermal systems exceed 180 C. Areas presently being examined include Beowawe Hot Springs in Whirlwind Valley. Buffalo Valley Hot Springs, Leach Hot Springs in Grass Valley, and Kyle Hot Springs in Buena Vista Valley. Geologic studies encompass detailed examinations of structure and lithology to establish the geologic framework of the areas. The geothermal occurrences are characterized by zones of intense fault intersection, which furnish permeable channelways for the introduction of meteoric water into regions of high temperature at depth.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 892810
• Report Number(s): UCID-3762
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
BUFFALO
CALIBRATION
DRILLING
EXPLORATORY WELLS
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GRAMINEAE
GROUND WATER
Geothermal Legacy
HEAT FLUX
HOT SPRINGS
LITHOLOGY
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCE POTENTIAL