Geochemistry Research

Geochemistry research at the Great Basin Center focuses on the chemical signatures of hydrothermal systems. Geothermal water sampling gives insight into reservoir temperatures and flow patterns, while gas sampling helps detect blind geothermal systems.  See available data downloads in the list to the right:

 

 

 

The geochemistry of springs and wells can yield information about reservoir temperatures. Lisa Shevenell, Mark Coolbaugh, Larry Garside, Chris Sladek, and Robin Penfield sample Great Basin springs and wells to identify thermal anomalies and establish geothermometer data.
 

Geochemical GIS Map (GBCGE)
Geochemical GIS Data (GBCGE)
Geochemical Pubs + Pres (GBCGE)
Geochemical Database (GBCGE)
Geothermal Resources of Nevada (NBMG)
National Water Information System Data (USGS)
Geo-Heat Center Direct Use Data (OIT)
 

 

 

 

Mobile compounds such as mercury, carbon dioxide, helium, and ammonia occurring in geothermal systems can rise through pore spaces and up to the surface. This provides a potential method of detecting "blind" systems that have no obvious surface expression. Paul Lechler and Mario Desilets of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology  used silver wires inside inverted funnels to detect mercury soil gas above the Desert Peak geothermal system (see presentation). Current research is directed towards refining the mercury technique and determining the effectiveness of measuring other gases in geothermal exploration.