Geothermal: Difference between revisions

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* [http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/geothermal/gthome.htm Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Geothermal Resources of Nevada]
* [http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/geothermal/gthome.htm Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Geothermal Resources of Nevada]


* http://www.unr.edu/Geothermal/pdffiles/Faulds06StructuralNWGB.pdf www.unr.edu/Geothermal/pdffiles/Faulds06StructuralNWGB.pdf  -- Characterizing Structural Controls of Geothermal Fields  in the Northwestern Great Basin: A Progress Report, James E. Faulds, Garrett S. Vice, Melissa L. Edwards, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV  Mark F. Coolbaugh, Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy, University of Nevada, Reno, NV.  Abstract: Considering a lack of recent volcanism, the abundant geothermal activity in the northwestern Great Basin is somewhat  anomalous.  The prolific activity may result from enhanced  dilation on N- to NNE-striking normal faults induced by a  transfer of NW-directed dextral shear from the Walker Lane  to NW-directed extension in the Great Basin.  Although faults  control most geothermal activity in the Great Basin, few  detailed investigations have been conducted on the specific  structural controls of individual fields.  Because knowledge of  such structures would facilitate exploration models, we have  embarked upon a regional study of the controls on geothermal activity, which includes detailed analysis of several fields,  reconnaissance studies of many other fields, and compilation  of existing data.  Our findings from the Bradys, Desert Peak,  Needle Rocks, Salt Wells, and Gerlach geothermal systems  suggest that many fields occupy discrete steps in fault zones  or lie in belts of intersecting, overlapping, and/or terminating  faults.  In addition, most fields are associated with steeply  dipping faults and, in many cases, with Quaternary faults.  The  structural settings favoring geothermal activity all involve  subvertical conduits of highly fractured rock along fault zones  oriented approximately perpendicular to the least principal  stress.  Features indicative of these settings that may be helpful  in guiding exploration include: 1) major steps in range-fronts,  2) interbasinal highs, 3) mountain ranges consisting of relatively low, discontinuous ridges, and 4) lateral terminations of mountain ranges.
* James E. Faulds, Garrett S. Vice, Melissa L. Edwards, Mark F. Coolbaugh, "[http://www.unr.edu/Geothermal/pdffiles/Faulds06StructuralNWGB.pdf Characterizing Structural Controls of Geothermal Fields  in the Northwestern Great Basin: A Progress Report,]"
** Abstract: Considering a lack of recent volcanism, the abundant geothermal activity in the northwestern Great Basin is somewhat  anomalous.  The prolific activity may result from enhanced  dilation on N- to NNE-striking normal faults induced by a  transfer of NW-directed dextral shear from the Walker Lane  to NW-directed extension in the Great Basin.  Although faults  control most geothermal activity in the Great Basin, few  detailed investigations have been conducted on the specific  structural controls of individual fields.  Because knowledge of  such structures would facilitate exploration models, we have  embarked upon a regional study of the controls on geothermal activity, which includes detailed analysis of several fields,  reconnaissance studies of many other fields, and compilation  of existing data.  Our findings from the Bradys, Desert Peak,  Needle Rocks, Salt Wells, and Gerlach geothermal systems  suggest that many fields occupy discrete steps in fault zones  or lie in belts of intersecting, overlapping, and/or terminating  faults.  In addition, most fields are associated with steeply  dipping faults and, in many cases, with Quaternary faults.  The  structural settings favoring geothermal activity all involve  subvertical conduits of highly fractured rock along fault zones  oriented approximately perpendicular to the least principal  stress.  Features indicative of these settings that may be helpful  in guiding exploration include: 1) major steps in range-fronts,  2) interbasinal highs, 3) mountain ranges consisting of relatively low, discontinuous ridges, and 4) lateral terminations of mountain ranges.

Revision as of 09:15, 18 January 2014

See Also

Resources

  • James E. Faulds, Garrett S. Vice, Melissa L. Edwards, Mark F. Coolbaugh, "Characterizing Structural Controls of Geothermal Fields in the Northwestern Great Basin: A Progress Report,"
    • Abstract: Considering a lack of recent volcanism, the abundant geothermal activity in the northwestern Great Basin is somewhat anomalous. The prolific activity may result from enhanced dilation on N- to NNE-striking normal faults induced by a transfer of NW-directed dextral shear from the Walker Lane to NW-directed extension in the Great Basin. Although faults control most geothermal activity in the Great Basin, few detailed investigations have been conducted on the specific structural controls of individual fields. Because knowledge of such structures would facilitate exploration models, we have embarked upon a regional study of the controls on geothermal activity, which includes detailed analysis of several fields, reconnaissance studies of many other fields, and compilation of existing data. Our findings from the Bradys, Desert Peak, Needle Rocks, Salt Wells, and Gerlach geothermal systems suggest that many fields occupy discrete steps in fault zones or lie in belts of intersecting, overlapping, and/or terminating faults. In addition, most fields are associated with steeply dipping faults and, in many cases, with Quaternary faults. The structural settings favoring geothermal activity all involve subvertical conduits of highly fractured rock along fault zones oriented approximately perpendicular to the least principal stress. Features indicative of these settings that may be helpful in guiding exploration include: 1) major steps in range-fronts, 2) interbasinal highs, 3) mountain ranges consisting of relatively low, discontinuous ridges, and 4) lateral terminations of mountain ranges.