Search

Search Results

• 1. [Image] Geothermal Resource Exploration in Boise, Idaho

  	Exploratory drilling in Boise, Idaho, in the vicinity of the Boise Front Fault has confirmed the presence of a 170/sup 0/F (77/sup 0/C) geothermal resource below about 800 ft (244 m) near the Veterans ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Resource Exploration in Boise, Idaho Author: Nelson, L.B. Year: 1980 Exploratory drilling in Boise, Idaho, in the vicinity of the Boise Front Fault has confirmed the presence of a 170/sup 0/F (77/sup 0/C) geothermal resource below about 800 ft (244 m) near the Veterans Hospital of the Military Reserve Park. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), sponsored by the Department of Energy, drilled three exploratory slim holes and two deep exploratory test wells. Study results based on tests of the two exploratory-test wells are reported. Faulting related to the Boise Front Fault defines a major physiographic break in the area that acts as a subsurface conduit through which geothermal water circulates. Hydrologic tests indicate that rocks disturbed by the Boise Front Fault may be as much as ten times more permeable than those removed from the major structural lineament Title: Geothermal Resource Exploration in Boise, Idaho Author: Nelson, L.B. Year: 1980 Exploratory drilling in Boise, Idaho, in the vicinity of the Boise Front Fault has confirmed the presence of a 170/sup 0/F (77/sup 0/C) geothermal resource below about 800 ft (244 m) near the Veterans Hospital of the Military Reserve Park. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), sponsored by the Department of Energy, drilled three exploratory slim holes and two deep exploratory test wells. Study results based on tests of the two exploratory-test wells are reported. Faulting related to the Boise Front Fault defines a major physiographic break in the area that acts as a subsurface conduit through which geothermal water circulates. Hydrologic tests indicate that rocks disturbed by the Boise Front Fault may be as much as ten times more permeable than those removed from the major structural lineament Close

• 2. [Image] Geological and Geophysical Analysis of Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1), Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California

  	The Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole number one (CGEH-1) was drilled in the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California, from September 2 to December 2, 1977. Chip samples were collected at ten foot intervals and ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geological and Geophysical Analysis of Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1), Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California Author: Galbraith, R.M. Year: 1978 The Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole number one (CGEH-1) was drilled in the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California, from September 2 to December 2, 1977. Chip samples were collected at ten foot intervals and extensive geophysical logging surveys were conducted to document the geologic character of the geothermal system as penetrated by CGEH-1. The major rock units encountered include a mafic metamorphic sequence and a leucogranite which intruded the metamorphic rocks. Only weak hydrothermal alteration was noted in these rocks. Drillhole surveys and drilling rate data indicate that the geothermal system is structurally controlled and that the drillhole itself was strongly influenced by structural zones. Water chemistry indicates that this geothermal resource is a hot-water rather than a vapor-dominated system. Several geophysical logs were employed to characterize the drillhole geology. The natural gamma and neutron porosity logs indicate gross rock type and the acoustics logs indicate fractured rock and potentially permeable zones. A series of temperature logs run as a function of time during and after the completion of drilling were most useful in delineating the zones of maximum heat flux. Convective heat flow and temperatures greater than 350/sup 0/F appear to occur only along an open fracture system encountered between depths of 1850 and 2775 feet. Temperature logs indicate a negative thermal gradient below 3000 feet Title: Geological and Geophysical Analysis of Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole No. 1 (CGEH-1), Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California Author: Galbraith, R.M. Year: 1978 The Coso Geothermal Exploration Hole number one (CGEH-1) was drilled in the Coso Hot Springs KGRA, California, from September 2 to December 2, 1977. Chip samples were collected at ten foot intervals and extensive geophysical logging surveys were conducted to document the geologic character of the geothermal system as penetrated by CGEH-1. The major rock units encountered include a mafic metamorphic sequence and a leucogranite which intruded the metamorphic rocks. Only weak hydrothermal alteration was noted in these rocks. Drillhole surveys and drilling rate data indicate that the geothermal system is structurally controlled and that the drillhole itself was strongly influenced by structural zones. Water chemistry indicates that this geothermal resource is a hot-water rather than a vapor-dominated system. Several geophysical logs were employed to characterize the drillhole geology. The natural gamma and neutron porosity logs indicate gross rock type and the acoustics logs indicate fractured rock and potentially permeable zones. A series of temperature logs run as a function of time during and after the completion of drilling were most useful in delineating the zones of maximum heat flux. Convective heat flow and temperatures greater than 350/sup 0/F appear to occur only along an open fracture system encountered between depths of 1850 and 2775 feet. Temperature logs indicate a negative thermal gradient below 3000 feet Close

• 3. [Image] Stratigraphy and Alteration, 15 Shallow Thermal Gradient Holes, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah

  	Fifteen shallow thermal gradient drill holes were recently completed by Geothermal Power Corporation (GPCR) in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Five holes penetrated Tertiary granitic rocks ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stratigraphy and Alteration, 15 Shallow Thermal Gradient Holes, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah Author: Hulen, J.B. Year: 1978 Fifteen shallow thermal gradient drill holes were recently completed by Geothermal Power Corporation (GPCR) in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Five holes penetrated Tertiary granitic rocks and Precambrian gneiss east of the KGRA. Seven holes completed entirely in alluvium near the southwestern corner of the KGRA encountered a near-surface marker horizon of Pleistocene pumice and perlite. Maximum calculated alluvial sedimentation rates since initial deposition of this pumice and perlite range from 1 foot in 12,500 years to 1 foot in 2,300 years. Three holes east of the Mineral Mountains penetrated late Cenozoic basaltic andesite beneath a thin veneer of alluvium. All 15 GPCR drill holes appear to be peripheral to a central zone of anomalously high thermal gradient and low resisitivity delineated by previous investigations. GPCR-8 and -14, however, are characterized by high heat flow and relatively abundant manganese oxide mineralization, which may reflect a favorable hydrologic system controlling thermal fluid flow at depth. These holes thus seem most encouraging for discovery of a deeper high-temperature geothermal resource Title: Stratigraphy and Alteration, 15 Shallow Thermal Gradient Holes, Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah Author: Hulen, J.B. Year: 1978 Fifteen shallow thermal gradient drill holes were recently completed by Geothermal Power Corporation (GPCR) in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Five holes penetrated Tertiary granitic rocks and Precambrian gneiss east of the KGRA. Seven holes completed entirely in alluvium near the southwestern corner of the KGRA encountered a near-surface marker horizon of Pleistocene pumice and perlite. Maximum calculated alluvial sedimentation rates since initial deposition of this pumice and perlite range from 1 foot in 12,500 years to 1 foot in 2,300 years. Three holes east of the Mineral Mountains penetrated late Cenozoic basaltic andesite beneath a thin veneer of alluvium. All 15 GPCR drill holes appear to be peripheral to a central zone of anomalously high thermal gradient and low resisitivity delineated by previous investigations. GPCR-8 and -14, however, are characterized by high heat flow and relatively abundant manganese oxide mineralization, which may reflect a favorable hydrologic system controlling thermal fluid flow at depth. These holes thus seem most encouraging for discovery of a deeper high-temperature geothermal resource Close

• 4. [Image] Geothermal Investigations in Idaho. Part 8. Heat Flow Study of the Snake River Plain Region, Idaho

  	The Snake River Plain of Idaho has recent lava flows and a large number of thermal springs and wells. A heat flow study was initiated which, together with available geological and geophysical information, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Investigations in Idaho. Part 8. Heat Flow Study of the Snake River Plain Region, Idaho Author: Brott, C.A. Year: 1976 The Snake River Plain of Idaho has recent lava flows and a large number of thermal springs and wells. A heat flow study was initiated which, together with available geological and geophysical information, allows a better definition of the geothermal resource and evaluation of the geothermal potential. Local geothermal anomalies were not the objects of this study and have not been studied in detail. The quality of the heat flow values obtained varies as interpretation was necessary to determine geothermal gradients for many of the holes which had disturbances. A major problem in determining the heat flow values is the lack of knowledge of the in situ porosity of the rocks. The heat flow values obtained for the Eastern Snake River Plain are from shallow wells (< 200 m), hence the heat flow there is low (< 0.5 HFU) because of the water movement in the Snake Plain aquifer. The anomalous regional heat flow pattern around the Snake River Plain, together with other geophysical and geological data, suggest the presence of a major crustal heat source. With the exception of the area of the Snake Plain aquifer, high geothermal gradients were found in all areas of southern Idaho (40 to 100/sup 0/C/km). Temperatures hot enough for space heating can be found most anywhere in the Plain at relatively shallow depths (1 to 2 km). Temperatures hot enough for electrical power generation (200/sup 0/C) can be found beneath southern Idaho almost anywhere at depths of 3 to 4 kilometers. The Plain is fault bounded and hot water circulating along the fault zones from depths can be a very important geothermal resource at shallow depths. The margins of the Plain have the highest heat flow values, are the most faulted, and have possibly the highest geothermal resource potential Title: Geothermal Investigations in Idaho. Part 8. Heat Flow Study of the Snake River Plain Region, Idaho Author: Brott, C.A. Year: 1976 The Snake River Plain of Idaho has recent lava flows and a large number of thermal springs and wells. A heat flow study was initiated which, together with available geological and geophysical information, allows a better definition of the geothermal resource and evaluation of the geothermal potential. Local geothermal anomalies were not the objects of this study and have not been studied in detail. The quality of the heat flow values obtained varies as interpretation was necessary to determine geothermal gradients for many of the holes which had disturbances. A major problem in determining the heat flow values is the lack of knowledge of the in situ porosity of the rocks. The heat flow values obtained for the Eastern Snake River Plain are from shallow wells (< 200 m), hence the heat flow there is low (< 0.5 HFU) because of the water movement in the Snake Plain aquifer. The anomalous regional heat flow pattern around the Snake River Plain, together with other geophysical and geological data, suggest the presence of a major crustal heat source. With the exception of the area of the Snake Plain aquifer, high geothermal gradients were found in all areas of southern Idaho (40 to 100/sup 0/C/km). Temperatures hot enough for space heating can be found most anywhere in the Plain at relatively shallow depths (1 to 2 km). Temperatures hot enough for electrical power generation (200/sup 0/C) can be found beneath southern Idaho almost anywhere at depths of 3 to 4 kilometers. The Plain is fault bounded and hot water circulating along the fault zones from depths can be a very important geothermal resource at shallow depths. The margins of the Plain have the highest heat flow values, are the most faulted, and have possibly the highest geothermal resource potential Close

• 5. [Image] Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow Drilling, Volume 5, Final Report

  	During the summer of 1975, the Department of Geology and Geophysics drilled nine drill thermal gradient/heat flow holes. Total footage drilled was 2125 feet. Seven holes were drilled with a Mayhew 1000 ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow Drilling, Volume 5, Final Report Author: Whelan, J.A. Year: 1977 During the summer of 1975, the Department of Geology and Geophysics drilled nine drill thermal gradient/heat flow holes. Total footage drilled was 2125 feet. Seven holes were drilled with a Mayhew 1000 drill using various combinations of down the hole hammer drilling, rotary drilling, and NX diamond core drilling. Three of these were heat flow holes--one in the Mineral Range, one in the Tushar Range near Beaver, Utah, and one near Monroe, Utah. Two were alteration study holes in the Roosevelt KGRA and two were temperature gradient holes, in alluvium in the Roosevelt KGRA. The average depth of the holes drilled with the Mayhew 1000 drill was 247 feet. Holes ranged from 135 feet to 492 feet. Cost per foot averaged $18.53. Two holes were core drilled with a Joy 12, BX-size drill. One was to 75 feet, in perlite. This hole was abandoned. The other was to 323 feet in granite. These holes averaged $13.82 per foot. Permission to drill was obtained from BLM and drill sites were inspected with BLM personnel to avoid disturbing archeological sites. Sites were reseeded where disturbed. Holes were completed by setting capped one-inch black iron pipe, backfilling the hole with cuttings to 10 feet from surface and cementing to the surface Title: Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow Drilling, Volume 5, Final Report Author: Whelan, J.A. Year: 1977 During the summer of 1975, the Department of Geology and Geophysics drilled nine drill thermal gradient/heat flow holes. Total footage drilled was 2125 feet. Seven holes were drilled with a Mayhew 1000 drill using various combinations of down the hole hammer drilling, rotary drilling, and NX diamond core drilling. Three of these were heat flow holes--one in the Mineral Range, one in the Tushar Range near Beaver, Utah, and one near Monroe, Utah. Two were alteration study holes in the Roosevelt KGRA and two were temperature gradient holes, in alluvium in the Roosevelt KGRA. The average depth of the holes drilled with the Mayhew 1000 drill was 247 feet. Holes ranged from 135 feet to 492 feet. Cost per foot averaged $18.53. Two holes were core drilled with a Joy 12, BX-size drill. One was to 75 feet, in perlite. This hole was abandoned. The other was to 323 feet in granite. These holes averaged $13.82 per foot. Permission to drill was obtained from BLM and drill sites were inspected with BLM personnel to avoid disturbing archeological sites. Sites were reseeded where disturbed. Holes were completed by setting capped one-inch black iron pipe, backfilling the hole with cuttings to 10 feet from surface and cementing to the surface Close

• 6. [Image] Geological and Geophysical Study of the Origin of the Warm Springs in Bath County, Virginia. Final Report, June 1, 1975--April 30, 1976

  	The results of heat flow determinations and a reconnaissance dipole electrical resistivity survey in Bath County are described. A geologic map was compiled based on published maps and supported by reconnaissance ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geological and Geophysical Study of the Origin of the Warm Springs in Bath County, Virginia. Final Report, June 1, 1975--April 30, 1976 Author: Costain, J.K. Year: 1976 The results of heat flow determinations and a reconnaissance dipole electrical resistivity survey in Bath County are described. A geologic map was compiled based on published maps and supported by reconnaissance geologic mapping in areas where published maps were not available. A regional bipole--dipole electrical resistivity survey was made in order to detect the presence of resistivity lows that might be associated with a geothermal system at depth. A single hole was drilled to a depth of approximately 300 m (approx. 1000 feet) to obtain a heat flow value that is representative of the area. The data were used to attempt to arrive at a model that unambiguously explains the origin of the thermal springs Title: Geological and Geophysical Study of the Origin of the Warm Springs in Bath County, Virginia. Final Report, June 1, 1975--April 30, 1976 Author: Costain, J.K. Year: 1976 The results of heat flow determinations and a reconnaissance dipole electrical resistivity survey in Bath County are described. A geologic map was compiled based on published maps and supported by reconnaissance geologic mapping in areas where published maps were not available. A regional bipole--dipole electrical resistivity survey was made in order to detect the presence of resistivity lows that might be associated with a geothermal system at depth. A single hole was drilled to a depth of approximately 300 m (approx. 1000 feet) to obtain a heat flow value that is representative of the area. The data were used to attempt to arrive at a model that unambiguously explains the origin of the thermal springs Close

• 7. [Image] Geology of the Colado Geothermal Area, Pershing County, Nevada

  	The Colado geothermal area in south-central Pershing County, Nevada is defined by hot water wells in alluvium just west of the West Humboldt Range. Geothermal gradient holes have encountered temperatures ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geology of the Colado Geothermal Area, Pershing County, Nevada Author: Sibbett, B.S. Year: 1980 The Colado geothermal area in south-central Pershing County, Nevada is defined by hot water wells in alluvium just west of the West Humboldt Range. Geothermal gradient holes have encountered temperatures up to 113.5/sup 0/C at a depth of 76 m (250 ft) with a gradient reversal in the alluvium below this depth. The West Humboldt Range consists mainly of Triassic to Jurassic slaty shale to quartzite of the Auld Lang Syne Group. Carbonate rocks of the Jurassic Lovelock Formation have been thrust over pelitic rocks on the south end of the area. Erosional remnants of Tertiary tuffs and sediments overlay the metasediments in the West Humboldt Range. The principal structures are high-angle faults striking north-northwest, northeast and north-south. The horst-to-graben transition along the range front consists of several step faults trending irregularly north. The structural pattern in the west edge of the range probably continues to the west under the Quaterary alluvium where the source of the hot water is located. Thermal waters probably rise along a major fault intersection in the Mesozoic rocks then spread out in an aquifer in the alluvium. Several thrust faults are exposed south of Coal Canyon, and a structural break in the Mesozoic rock exists under the canyon. Several low-angle faults are present north of Coal Canyon but their effect, if any, on the geothermal occurrence is not known; DOE/ID/12079-8; ESL-38 Title: Geology of the Colado Geothermal Area, Pershing County, Nevada Author: Sibbett, B.S. Year: 1980 The Colado geothermal area in south-central Pershing County, Nevada is defined by hot water wells in alluvium just west of the West Humboldt Range. Geothermal gradient holes have encountered temperatures up to 113.5/sup 0/C at a depth of 76 m (250 ft) with a gradient reversal in the alluvium below this depth. The West Humboldt Range consists mainly of Triassic to Jurassic slaty shale to quartzite of the Auld Lang Syne Group. Carbonate rocks of the Jurassic Lovelock Formation have been thrust over pelitic rocks on the south end of the area. Erosional remnants of Tertiary tuffs and sediments overlay the metasediments in the West Humboldt Range. The principal structures are high-angle faults striking north-northwest, northeast and north-south. The horst-to-graben transition along the range front consists of several step faults trending irregularly north. The structural pattern in the west edge of the range probably continues to the west under the Quaterary alluvium where the source of the hot water is located. Thermal waters probably rise along a major fault intersection in the Mesozoic rocks then spread out in an aquifer in the alluvium. Several thrust faults are exposed south of Coal Canyon, and a structural break in the Mesozoic rock exists under the canyon. Several low-angle faults are present north of Coal Canyon but their effect, if any, on the geothermal occurrence is not known; DOE/ID/12079-8; ESL-38 Close

• 8. [Image] Downhole Electrical Detection of Hydraulic Fractures in GT-2 and EE-1

  	Electrical geophysical methods including mise a la masse and self-potential (SP) for determination of hydraulic fracture characteristics were used at the hot dry rock geothermal project. Electrical and ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Downhole Electrical Detection of Hydraulic Fractures in GT-2 and EE-1 Author: Kintzinger, P.R. Year: 1977 Electrical geophysical methods including mise a la masse and self-potential (SP) for determination of hydraulic fracture characteristics were used at the hot dry rock geothermal project. Electrical and induction logs indicated that the resistivity contrast between the granite and 200/sup 0/C water at the 2926-m (9600-ft) depth is a factor of 1000 or more. Thus the water in a hydraulic fracture, formed to connect two adjacent deep holes, is a good conductor compared to the confining granite. Mise a la masse-type measurements were made to help determine the characteristics for hydraulic fractures formed in each of the two geothermal holes GT-2 and EE-1. Once a hydraulic fracture has been formed, mise a la masse effects are obtained both with the fracture pressurized above hydrostatic and when depressurized to hydrostatic. This indicates that once the fracture has been created, enough natural propping exists that a conductive zone persists even when the fracture is deflated. A fracture was formed in a 18-m (60-ft) zone immediately below 1957 m (6420 ft) in EE-1. Later a set of SP logs was run in this zone with no pressure, with pressure building, with pressure decreasing, and again with the fracture depressurized. Results show that during times of change of parameters in hydraulically fractured regions in the hole, natural SP logging helps to determine the position of the fracture. However, after a fracture has come to equilibrium with fluid parameters such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH, an effect of the fracture may not be evident. Self-potential logs provide an excellent method for locating the bottom of steel casing that has been set in the hole Title: Downhole Electrical Detection of Hydraulic Fractures in GT-2 and EE-1 Author: Kintzinger, P.R. Year: 1977 Electrical geophysical methods including mise a la masse and self-potential (SP) for determination of hydraulic fracture characteristics were used at the hot dry rock geothermal project. Electrical and induction logs indicated that the resistivity contrast between the granite and 200/sup 0/C water at the 2926-m (9600-ft) depth is a factor of 1000 or more. Thus the water in a hydraulic fracture, formed to connect two adjacent deep holes, is a good conductor compared to the confining granite. Mise a la masse-type measurements were made to help determine the characteristics for hydraulic fractures formed in each of the two geothermal holes GT-2 and EE-1. Once a hydraulic fracture has been formed, mise a la masse effects are obtained both with the fracture pressurized above hydrostatic and when depressurized to hydrostatic. This indicates that once the fracture has been created, enough natural propping exists that a conductive zone persists even when the fracture is deflated. A fracture was formed in a 18-m (60-ft) zone immediately below 1957 m (6420 ft) in EE-1. Later a set of SP logs was run in this zone with no pressure, with pressure building, with pressure decreasing, and again with the fracture depressurized. Results show that during times of change of parameters in hydraulically fractured regions in the hole, natural SP logging helps to determine the position of the fracture. However, after a fracture has come to equilibrium with fluid parameters such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH, an effect of the fracture may not be evident. Self-potential logs provide an excellent method for locating the bottom of steel casing that has been set in the hole Close

• 9. [Image] Planning, Drilling, Logging, and Testing of Energy Extraction Hole EE-1, Phases I and II

  	Energy Extraction Hole No. 1 (EE-1) is the second deep hole drilled into the Precambrian-age granitic rocks of the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. EE-1 was drilled to intersect a hydraulic ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Planning, Drilling, Logging, and Testing of Energy Extraction Hole EE-1, Phases I and II Author: Pettitt, R.A. Year: 1977 Energy Extraction Hole No. 1 (EE-1) is the second deep hole drilled into the Precambrian-age granitic rocks of the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. EE-1 was drilled to intersect a hydraulic fracture extending outward from near the bottom of previously drilled hole GT-2, thus completing the underground circulation loop required for the hot dry rock geothermal energy extraction experiment. Directional drilling techniques were used to intersect the fracture zone. In addition, high-temperature instrumentation and equipment development, hydraulic fracturing experiments, pressure-flow testing of the fracture systems, and fracture mapping and borehole-ranging technique activities were conducted. The drilling, logging, and testing operations in EE-1 are described Title: Planning, Drilling, Logging, and Testing of Energy Extraction Hole EE-1, Phases I and II Author: Pettitt, R.A. Year: 1977 Energy Extraction Hole No. 1 (EE-1) is the second deep hole drilled into the Precambrian-age granitic rocks of the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. EE-1 was drilled to intersect a hydraulic fracture extending outward from near the bottom of previously drilled hole GT-2, thus completing the underground circulation loop required for the hot dry rock geothermal energy extraction experiment. Directional drilling techniques were used to intersect the fracture zone. In addition, high-temperature instrumentation and equipment development, hydraulic fracturing experiments, pressure-flow testing of the fracture systems, and fracture mapping and borehole-ranging technique activities were conducted. The drilling, logging, and testing operations in EE-1 are described Close