Geothermal Exploration
Topics of Research:
GIS Synthesis
Multi and Hyperspectral
Image Analysis
Geophysics and Structure of Geothermal Fields
Geochemistry
Other Geothermal Research at UNR: Great
Basin Center for Geothermal Energy
GIS Synthesis
Regional Assessment of Exploration Potential for Geothermal Systems
in Nevada using a Geographic
Information System (GIS).
Collaborators: James V. Taranik, Mark F. Coolbaugh, Gary L. Raines, Lisa
A. Shevenell, Don L. Sawatzky, Tim B. Minor, and Richard Bedell. Funded
by DOE.
Summary of Research: A geographic information system (GIS) is
being used to integrate diverse types of geologic, chemical, and physical
information to predict where high-temperature geothermal systems are most
likely to occur in the Great Basin of western North America. Spatial analysis
using weights-of-evidence and logistic regression is being used to quantify
relationships between geothermal systems and the map data and clarify
the conditions necessary for the formation of high-temperature geothermal
systems.
Multi and Hyperspectral Image Analysis
Testing unique surface identifiers for geothermal site characterization
from remote sensing imagery.
Collaborators: Wendy Calvin and Mark F. Coolbaugh (both of UNR), and Bill
Pickles, LLNL: funded by DOE.
Summary of Research: Hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing,
in the visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared
ranges, is being used to identify anomalous surface features related to
active geothermal systems. These features include areas of high heat flow
(thermal anomalies), diagnostic rocks (sinter and evaporite assemblages),
hydrothermal alteration (alunite and clay minerals), and vegetation anomalies.
Geophysics and Structure of
Geothermal Fields
Structural and Geophysical Analysis of the Desert Peak-Brady Geothermal
Field: Identifying links between northeast-trending structures and geothermal
anomalies in the Great Basin
Collaborators: James Faulds (PI), Larry Garside (PI), Nevada Bureau of
Mines and Geology (NBMG), Gary Oppliger (PI), Department of Geological
Science, UNR
Summary of Research: An integrated geologic, geophysical,
and GIS investigation of the Desert Peak-Brady geothermal field in the
Hot Springs Mountains of western Nevada. The geologic and gravity studies,
as well as existing drill-hole, temperature, and electrical conductivity
data, will be incorporated into a GIS database. Collectively, these data
sets will permit comprehensive three-dimensional visualization and modeling
of the geothermal field.
(Please, visit Dr.
Oppliger's Research page for more information.)
Geochemical Characterization of Magmatic-related vs. Extension-related
Geothermal Systems in the Great Basin: Implications for Exploration, Exploitation,
and Environmental Issues
Collaborators: Greg B. Arehart, Mark F. Coolbaugh, and Simon R. Poulson:
funded by DOE.
Summary of Research: This research will identify the
distinguishing chemical characteristics of magmatic and extensional geothermal
systems, and relate those differences to differences in host rock lithologies,
magma compositions, or other physical and chemical parameters. The significance
those differences have for exploration, exploitation, and effects on the
environment is being reviewed.
Targeting of potential geothermal resources in the Great Basin
from regional relationships between geodetic strain and geological structures.
Collaborators: Geoff Blewitt and Mark F. Coolbaugh: funded by DOE.
Summary of Research: The ability of GPS-based measurements
of geodetic strain to identify zones of crustal extension, and the role
those zones of extension play in controlling geothermal activity, is being
investigated. The Quaternary structural fabric of Nevada is being used
to help constrain the mode and location of strain.
Geochemistry
Geochemical Characterization of Magmatic-related vs. Extension-related
Geothermal Systems in the Great Basin: Implications for Exploration, Exploitation,
and Environmental Issues.
Collaborators: Greg B. Arehart, Mark F. Coolbaugh, and Simon R. Poulson:
funded by DOE.
Summary of Research: This research will identify the
distinguishing chemical characteristics of magmatic and extensional geothermal
systems, and relate those differences to differences in host rock lithologies,
magma compositions, or other physical and chemical parameters. The significance
those differences have for exploration, exploitation, and effects on the
environment is being reviewed.
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