Three-dimensional geologic mapping to assess geothermal potential: examples from Nevada and Oregon

Siler, Drew L.; Faulds, James E.; Hinz, Nicholas H.; Dering, Gregory M.; Edwards, Joel H.; Mayhew, Brett

doi:10.1186/s40517-018-0117-0

Title: Three-dimensional geologic mapping to assess geothermal potential: examples from Nevada and Oregon

Journal Article · 29 January 2019 · Geothermal Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-018-0117-0 · OSTI ID:1613266

Siler, Drew L. ^[1]; Faulds, James E. ^[2]; Hinz, Nicholas H. ^[2]; Dering, Gregory M. ^[2]; Edwards, Joel H. ^[2]; Mayhew, Brett ^[2]

U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA (United States); DOE/OSTI
Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States)

Geologic structure plays an important role in controlling fluid flow in geothermal systems. In particular, very complex structural settings, consisting of many closely spaced and intersecting faults, host many geothermal systems. To elucidate the key geologic factors that affect fault-controlled geothermal circulation, it is critical to precisely characterize the structural and stratigraphic geometries in these complex settings. Here, we present a methodology and the results of 3D geologic analyses of two geothermal systems in the Basin and Range, USA. This methodology is a quantitative and geologically focused technique that can be used to precisely characterize geothermal areas, in a time when future geothermal growth demands increased exploration precision and efficiency. Surficial and subsurface geologic and geophysical data are synthesized in the construction of detailed 3D geologic maps of geothermal areas. Based on these 3D geologic maps, we examine several geologic attributes that control permeability development and geothermal fluid flow along faults. We use the stress state of faults and the distribution of structural discontinuities (i.e., fault intersections and fault terminations) to identify locations of upflow along faults in these geothermal systems. These results and the methodology presented herein are directly applicable to structurally controlled geothermal fields in the Basin and Range and worldwide. As development focus shifts toward blind geothermal resources, integration of precisely characterized subsurface structural information into exploration methods will be increasingly critical to continued growth in geothermal exploration and development.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Cite

Export

Save

Research Organization:: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States); Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231; EE0002748; FG36-02ID14311

OSTI ID:: 1613266

Journal Information:: Geothermal Energy, Journal Name: Geothermal Energy Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 7; ISSN 2195-9706

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

References (61)

The stress regime in a Rotliegend reservoir of the Northeast German Basin Moeck, Inga; Schandelmeier, Heinz; Holl, Heinz-Gerd International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 98, Issue 7 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-008-0316-1	journal	April 2008
Exploring for Geothermal Resources with Electromagnetic Methods Muñoz, Gerard Surveys in Geophysics, Vol. 35, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10712-013-9236-0	journal	May 2013
An empirical NaKCa geothermometer for natural waters Fournier, R. O.; Truesdell, A. H. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 37, Issue 5 https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(73)90060-4	journal	May 1973
Magnesium correction to the NaKCa chemical geothermometer Fournier, R. O.; Potter, R. W. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 43, Issue 9 https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(79)90147-9	journal	September 1979
Geothermal solute equilibria. Derivation of Na-K-Mg-Ca geoindicators Giggenbach, Werner F. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 52, Issue 12 https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(88)90143-3	journal	December 1988
Permeability of crystalline and argillaceous rocks Brace, W. F. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, Vol. 17, Issue 5 https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(80)90807-4	journal	October 1980
Displacement-length scaling relationship for faults: data synthesis and discussion Cowie, Patience A.; Scholz, Christopher H. Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 14, Issue 10 https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(92)90066-6	journal	November 1992
Microfracturing, paleostress and the growth of faults Anders, Mark H.; Wiltschko, David V. Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 16, Issue 6 https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(94)90146-5	journal	June 1994
Structural permeability of fluid-driven fault-fracture meshes Sibson, Richard H. Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 18, Issue 8 https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8141(96)00032-6	journal	August 1996
Geophysical evidence on the structure of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and its hydrothermal circulation Bibby, H. M.; Caldwell, T. G.; Davey, F. J. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Vol. 68, Issue 1-3 https://doi.org/10.1016/0377-0273(95)00007-H	journal	October 1995
Intrusion-Related Geothermal Systems Stimac, James; Goff, Fraser; Goff, Cathy J. The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-385938-9.00046-8	book	January 2015
Implications of hydrostatic pore pressures and high crustal strength for the deformation of intraplate lithosphere Zoback, Mark D.; Townend, John Tectonophysics, Vol. 336, Issue 1-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1951(01)00091-9	journal	July 2001
Structural settings of hydrothermal outflow: Fracture permeability maintained by fault propagation and interaction Curewitz, Daniel; Karson, Jeffrey A. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Vol. 79, Issue 3-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-0273(97)00027-9	journal	December 1997
Towards quantifying the matrix permeability of fault damage zones in low porosity rocks Mitchell, T. M.; Faulkner, D. R. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 339-340 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2012.05.014	journal	July 2012
Three-dimensional magnetotelluric characterization of the Coso geothermal field Newman, Gregory A.; Gasperikova, Erika; Hoversten, G. Michael Geothermics, Vol. 37, Issue 4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2008.02.006	journal	August 2008
Integrated multicomponent solute geothermometry Spycher, N.; Peiffer, L.; Sonnenthal, E. L. Geothermics, Vol. 51 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2013.10.012	journal	July 2014
Optimized multicomponent vs. classical geothermometry: Insights from modeling studies at the Dixie Valley geothermal area Peiffer, L.; Wanner, C.; Spycher, N. Geothermics, Vol. 51 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2013.12.002	journal	July 2014
Quantitative structural–geological exploration of fault-controlled geothermal systems—A case study from the Basin-and-Range Province, Nevada (USA) Jolie, Egbert; Moeck, Inga; Faulds, James E. Geothermics, Vol. 54 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2014.10.003	journal	March 2015
Analysis of the favorability for geothermal fluid flow in 3D: Astor Pass geothermal prospect, Great Basin, northwestern Nevada, USA Siler, Drew L.; Faulds, James E.; Mayhew, Brett Geothermics, Vol. 60 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2015.11.002	journal	March 2016
Play fairway analysis of geothermal resources across the state of Hawaii: 2. Resource probability mapping Ito, Garrett; Frazer, Neil; Lautze, Nicole Geothermics, Vol. 70 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2016.11.004	journal	November 2017
Play-fairway analysis for geothermal resources and exploration risk in the Modoc Plateau region Siler, Drew L.; Zhang, Yingqi; Spycher, Nicolas F. Geothermics, Vol. 69 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2017.04.003	journal	September 2017
Play fairway analysis of geothermal resources across the state of Hawaii: 3. Use of development viability criterion to prioritize future exploration targets Lautze, Nicole; Thomas, Donald; Waller, David Geothermics, Vol. 70 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2017.07.005	journal	November 2017
Determination of stress orientation and magnitude in deep wells Zoback, M. D.; Barton, C. A.; Brudy, M. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, Vol. 40, Issue 7-8 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2003.07.001	journal	October 2003
Slip tendency analysis, fault reactivation potential and induced seismicity in a deep geothermal reservoir Moeck, Inga; Kwiatek, Grzegorz; Zimmermann, Günter Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 31, Issue 10 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2009.06.012	journal	October 2009
Internal structure, fault rocks, and inferences regarding deformation, fluid flow, and mineralization in the seismogenic Stillwater normal fault, Dixie Valley, Nevada Caine, Jonathan Saul; Bruhn, Ronald L.; Forster, Craig B. Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 32, Issue 11 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2010.03.004	journal	November 2010
Uncertainty in structural interpretation: Lessons to be learnt Bond, Clare E. Journal of Structural Geology, Vol. 74 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2015.03.003	journal	May 2015
Diffuse surface emanations as indicator of structural permeability in fault-controlled geothermal systems Jolie, Egbert; Klinkmueller, Matthias; Moeck, Inga Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Vol. 290 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2014.11.003	journal	January 2015
Geological modelling from field data and geological knowledge Calcagno, P.; Chilès, J. P.; Courrioux, G. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Vol. 171, Issue 1-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2008.06.013	journal	December 2008
Catalog of geothermal play types based on geologic controls Moeck, Inga S. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 37 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.032	journal	September 2014
Geodiversity: Exploration of 3D geological model space Lindsay, M. D.; Jessell, M. W.; Ailleres, L. Tectonophysics, Vol. 594 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2013.03.013	journal	May 2013
Towards a balanced social psychology: Causes, consequences, and cures for the problem-seeking approach to social behavior and cognition Krueger, Joachim I.; Funder, David C. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Vol. 27, Issue 3 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X04000081	journal	June 2004
Fracture permeability and in situ stress to 7 km depth in the KTB scientific drillhole Ito, Takatoshi; Zoback, Mark D. Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 27, Issue 7 https://doi.org/10.1029/1999GL011068	journal	April 2000
Coulomb stress changes in the South Iceland Seismic Zone due to two large earthquakes in June 2000: COULOMB STRESS CHANGES IN SOUTH ICELAND Árnadóttir, Thóra; Jónsson, Sigurjón; Pedersen, Rikke Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 30, Issue 5 https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GL016495	journal	March 2003
Geostatistical evaluation of permeability in an active fault zone: GEOSTATISTICAL FAULT PERMEABILITY Fairley, Jerry; Heffner, James; Hinds, Jennifer Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 30, Issue 18 https://doi.org/10.1029/2003GL018064	journal	September 2003
Magnetotelluric monitoring of a fluid injection: Example from an enhanced geothermal system: MT MONITORING Peacock, J. R.; Thiel, S.; Reid, P. Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 39, Issue 18 https://doi.org/10.1029/2012GL053080	journal	September 2012
Compressive and tensile failure of inclined well bores and determination of in situ stress and rock strength Peška, Pavel; Zoback, Mark D. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Vol. 100, Issue B7 https://doi.org/10.1029/95JB00319	journal	July 1995
Geothermal gradients in the conterminous United States Nathenson, Manuel; Guffanti, Marianne Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 93, Issue B6 https://doi.org/10.1029/JB093iB06p06437	journal	January 1988
Rapid gravity computations for two-dimensional bodies with application to the Mendocino submarine fracture zone Talwani, Manik; Worzel, J. Lamar; Landisman, Mark Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 64, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ064i001p00049	journal	January 1959
Stable 3D Inversion of MT Data and its Application to Geothermal Exploration Uchida, Toshihiro; Sasaki, Yutaka Exploration Geophysics, Vol. 37, Issue 3 https://doi.org/10.1071/EG06223	journal	September 2006
The where and how of faults, fluids and permeability - insights from fault stepovers, scaling properties and gold mineralisation Micklethwaite, S.; Ford, A.; Witt, W. Geofluids, Vol. 15, Issue 1-2 https://doi.org/10.1111/gfl.12102	journal	September 2014
Structural controls on hydrothermal flow in a segmented rift system, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand Rowland, J. V.; Sibson, R. H. Geofluids, Vol. 4, Issue 4 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2004.00091.x	journal	November 2004
What do aqueous geothermometers really tell us? Ferguson, G.; Grasby, S. E.; Hindle, S. R. Geofluids, Vol. 9, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2008.00237.x	journal	February 2009
Permeability of the continental crust: dynamic variations inferred from seismicity and metamorphism Ingebritsen, S. E.; Manning, C. E. Geofluids https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2010.00278.x	journal	February 2010
Slip-tendency analysis and fault reactivation Morris, Alan; Ferrill, David A.; Brent Henderson, D. Brent Geology, Vol. 24, Issue 3 https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0275:STAAFR>2.3.CO;2	journal	January 1996
Stress concentrations at structural discontinuities in active fault zones in the western United States: Implications for permeability and fluid flow in geothermal fields Siler, Drew L.; Hinz, Nicholas H.; Faulds, James E. GSA Bulletin, Vol. 130, Issue 7-8 https://doi.org/10.1130/B31729.1	journal	March 2018
Fault-segment rupture, aftershock-zone fluid flow, and mineralization Micklethwaite, Steven; Cox, Stephen F. Geology, Vol. 32, Issue 9 https://doi.org/10.1130/G20559.1	journal	January 2004
Rapid transport pathways for geothermal fluids in an active Great Basin fault zone Fairley, Jerry P.; Hinds, Jennifer J. Geology, Vol. 32, Issue 9 https://doi.org/10.1130/G20617.1	journal	January 2004
Damage and permeability around faults: Implications for mineralization Sheldon, Heather A.; Micklethwaite, Steven Geology, Vol. 35, Issue 10 https://doi.org/10.1130/G23860A.1	journal	January 2007
Linking gas fluxes at Earth’s surface with fracture zones in an active geothermal field Jolie, Egbert; Klinkmueller, Matthias; Moeck, Inga Geology, Vol. 44, Issue 3 https://doi.org/10.1130/G37412.1	journal	January 2016
Ash-flow tuffs in the Nine Hill, Nevada, paleovalley and implications for tectonism and volcanism of the western Great Basin, USA Henry, Christopher D.; Faulds, James E. Geosphere, Vol. 6, Issue 4 https://doi.org/10.1130/GES00548.1	journal	August 2010
Refining Rodinia: Geologic Evidence for the Australia–Western U.S. connection in the Proterozoic Karlstrom, Karl GSA Today, Vol. 9, Issue 10 https://doi.org/10.1130/GSAT-1999-10-01-science	journal	October 1999
What do you think this is? “Conceptual uncertainty” in geoscience interpretation Bond, C. E.; Gibbs, A. D.; Shipton, Z. K. GSA Today, Vol. 17, Issue 11 https://doi.org/10.1130/GSAT01711A.1	journal	January 2007
Crustal stress, faulting and fluid flow Sibson, Richard H. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, Vol. 78, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1994.078.01.07	journal	January 1994
Stress-controlled localization of deformation and fluid flow in fractured rocks Sanderson, David J.; Zhang, Xing Geological Society, London, Special Publications, Vol. 231, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.231.01.18	journal	January 2004
The significance of hydrothermal alteration zones for the mechanical behavior of a geothermal reservoir Meller, Carola; Kohl, Thomas Geothermal Energy, Vol. 2, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-014-0012-2	journal	October 2014
3D geophysical inversion modeling of gravity data to test the 3D geologic model of the Bradys geothermal area, Nevada, USA Witter, Jeffrey B.; Siler, Drew L.; Faulds, James E. Geothermal Energy, Vol. 4, Issue 1 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-016-0056-6	journal	October 2016
Gravity Anomalies of Two‐Dimensional Faults Geldart, L. P.; Gill, Denis E.; Sharma, Bijon GEOPHYSICS, Vol. 31, Issue 2 https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1439781	journal	April 1966
Advanced seismic imaging for geothermal development Louie, John N.; Pullammanappallil, Satish K.; Honjas, William SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2012 https://doi.org/10.1190/segam2012-0965.1	conference	October 2012
Integrated geophysical exploration of a known geothermal resource: Neal Hot Springs Colwell, Clinton; VanWijk, Kasper; Liberty, Lee SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2012 https://doi.org/10.1190/segam2012-1543.1	conference	October 2012
Transport phenomena in hydrothermal systems; the nature of porosity Norton, D.; Knapp, R. American Journal of Science, Vol. 277, Issue 8 https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.277.8.913	journal	October 1977
Assessment of Moderate- and High-Temperature Geothermal Resources of the United States Williams, Colin F.; Reed, Marshall J.; Mariner, Robert H. https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20083082	report	January 2008

Cited By (1)

Renewable Energy for Robots and Robots for Renewable Energy – A Review Hassan, Ahmed A.; El Habrouk, Mohamed; Deghedie, Samir Robotica, Vol. 38, Issue 9 https://doi.org/10.1017/s0263574719001644	journal	December 2019

Similar Records

Play-fairway analysis for geothermal exploration: Examples from the Great Basin, western USA

Conference · 2013 · OSTI ID:1110514

Siler, Drew L; Faulds, James E

Advancements in 3D Structural Analysis of Geothermal Systems

Conference · 2013 · OSTI ID:1110512

Siler, Drew L; Faulds, James E; Mayhew, Brett; +1 more

Three-Dimensional Geothermal Fairway Mapping: Examples From the Western Great Basin, USA

Conference · 2013 · OSTI ID:1110515

Siler, Drew L.; Faulds, James E.

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
58 GEOSCIENCES
Energy & Fuels
Geology

Title: Three-dimensional geologic mapping to assess geothermal potential: examples from Nevada and Oregon

Citation Formats

References (61)

Cited By (1)

Similar Records

Related Subjects