Searching for Blind Geothermal Systems Utilizing Play Fairway Analysis, Western Nevada

Journal Article · 01 September 2018 · GRC Bulletin

OSTI ID:1724102

Faulds, James  ^[1]; Craig, Jason ^[1]; Coolbaugh, Mark ^[1]; Hinz, Nicholas ^[1]; Glen, Jonathan ^[2]; Deoreo, Stephen ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States). Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
2. US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA (United States)

Geothermal play fairway analysis is a concept adopted from the oil industry aimed at improving the efficiency and success rate of geothermal exploration and drilling. It involves integration of multiple geologic and geophysical parameters indicative of geothermal activity as a means of identifying the most promising areas for new geothermal development. This includes the evaluation of the relative favorability of known, undeveloped geothermal systems, as well as assessing the probability of a particular area for hosting a relatively robust blind system (>~130°C). Finally, blind systems lack surface hot springs and steam vents and are thought to comprise the majority of geothermal systems in the Great Basin region.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States). Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0006731
• OSTI ID: 1724102
• Report Number(s): DOE-UNR-06731-09
• Journal Information: GRC Bulletin, Vol. 47, Issue 5; ISSN 0160-7782
• Publisher: Geothermal Resources CouncilCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English