Introduction to geothermal exploration on ascension island, South Atlantic Ocean

The exploration for a geothermal resource on Ascension Island utilized a strategy that initially employed geologic mapping. On the basis of this, subsurface faults were mapped using an aeromagnetic survey. The faults were then explored using electrical resistivity surveys to define areas of potential hydrothermal fluid up-welling. The results of all of these techniques were used to site temperature gradient holes. A deep geothermal exploration well was then drilled in the area with highest heat flow adjacent to a rhyolite-to-trachyte volcanic complex.     

Interpretation of magnetic anomalies over the Waimangu geothermal area, Taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand

The study area is located on the eastern side of the Taupo volcanic zone in central North Island of New Zealand. It lies a few kilometres to the southwest of Mt Tarawera, the site of the biggest New Zealand volcanic eruption in historical times (the June 1886 Tarawera eruption). The study area includes the Waimangu geothermal field and a small part of Waiotapu and Waikite fields. The extensive surface thermal expressions (boiling springs, hot lakes, craters, and sinter terraces) occurring at the Waimangu field were all formed following the 1886 Tarawera eruption. Another large area of less intense thermal manifestations (thermal ground and hydrothermally altered rocks) exists about 5 km southwest of Waimangu, extending towards the Waiotapu field in the south. In 1993 an aeromagnetic survey was conducted over the study area at an average altitude of about 350 m above the ground. The results show a subdued negative residual anomaly (about −100 nT) over the Waimangu field, which can be interpreted by near-surface hydrothermal demagnetisation of rhyolitic host rocks. The lateral distribution of the demagnetised rocks is much greater than the thermal area of Waimangu, and is consistent with the extent of low resistivity rocks across the study area. The magnetic interpretation also shows that two-high standing dacite domes situated about 5 and 7 km to the southwest of Waimangu have been affected by hydrothermal demagnetisation. There are negative residual anomalies outside the low resistivity zone that could be associated with reversely magnetised rocks (age >0.78 Ma). A strong positive residual anomaly (up to 450 nT) occurs to the east of the Waimangu field. Results from 3-D magnetic interpretation indicate some alternative models for this positive anomaly: (1) southwest–northeast trending, vertical basalt dykes (magnetisation 10 A/m), tops between −0.1 and −0.65 km RL (reduced LEVEL=relative to sea level), (2) a thick ( 1 km) sequence of rhyolites (magnetisation 2.5 A/m) extending from the surface down to about −0.8 km RL, and (3) a rather thin (0.35 km) sequence of rhyolites (from surface to sea level) underlain by basalt bodies similar to those of model (1).     

The shallow structure of Los Humeros and Las Derrumbadas geothermal fields, Mexico

Los Humeros caldera and Las Derrumbadas rhyolitic domes located in the State of Puebla (Mexico) are being extensively studied by Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) to assess the geothermal potential of that area. Both geothermal sites have been locally studied with geological, geochemical and geophysical methods. In order to get a geological picture of the sub-surface of the area comprising both sites, a regional structural survey was conducted together with gravity and magnetics studies. These studies showed a regional weakness zone (the Libres-Oriental depression), where the volcanic activity related to the geothermal manifestations took place.The tectonic events in the area are represented by two systems of structures. The first one (N140°–N170°) gave rise to the folds and overthrusts affecting the sequence of calcareous rocks resting upon the basement. This system is affected by a second system (N40°–70°E). Regionally these tectonic events remodelled the sedimentary sequence giving rise to a series of topographic highs that constitute the core of several ranges, and to depressions that were filled with volcano-sediments during the ensuing volcanic activity.The rhyolitic domes of Las Derrumbadas are emplaced in a regional NW-SE lineament, which reflects clearly on the Bouguer anomaly, and is interpreted as a front of overthrust affecting the marine sedimentary sequence. Estimations of depths to the basement, based on magnetic data, showed that the basement under Los Humeros caldera is shallower than in Las Derrumbadas. The gravity data were interpreted in terms of tabular bodies associated to calcareous rocks, of igneous intrusions, and of depressions filled with volcano-sediments. A joint interpretation of the geological and geophysical data led to a model of the structure of the shallow crust in the area.     

Geology of ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean

Ascension Island is the exposed part of a large volcano located about 80 km west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge axis in the notrhern South Atlantic Ocean. The volcanic rocks of the island form an alkaline suite with a compositional range of basalt-hawaiite-mugearite-benmoreite-trachyte-rhyolite. Trachyte and rhyolite compose approximately 14% of surface exposures. Petrochemical studies by other investigators have shown that the igneous suite was formed by fractional cyrstallization. The abundance of felsic volcanic rocks and the presence of granite and syenite blocks in pyroclastic deposits suggest that felsic magma chambers have formed and could provide the heat for a convective hydrothermal system. The felsic volcanic rocks form two eruptive centers that may be contemporaneous. The oldest rocks exposed on the surface are rhyolite with K---Ar ages of approximately one million years. Faults mapped on the island have four principal trends and appear to be related to regional structures that are apparent on the bathymetry of the island pedestal.     

Geothermal exploration of kos island, Greece: Magnetotelluric and microseismicity studies

This paper reports the results of magnetotelluric (MT) and microseismicity studies, conducted as part of a multi-disciplinary project to explore the geothermal potential of the island of Kos, Greece. The MT survey, comprising 18 soundings, was carried out in the bandwidth 128 Hz–40 s, in order to determine the deep conductivity structure in the geothermally prospective western part of the island. Rigorous dimensionality analysis has indicated that the geoelectric structure could adequately be approximated with 1-D interpretation tools. Two significant and seemingly communicating conductive zones of potential geothermal interest were found within the first 2 km. The first is extensive and shallow, detected at depths of 400–600 m; the second is deeper (1000–1300 m), but of considerably smaller lateral dimensions. A very deep relative conductor (<25 Ωm) was also detected at depths of 7–10 km, which is thought to comprise part of an old magma chamber with brine-saturated rocks. The microseismicity studies revealed the partial or total attenuation of shear waves in many microearthquake records. The analysis of these observations determined the vertical and lateral extent of that attenuation zone, the greatest part of which is located underneath the marine area between western Kos and Nissyros island to the south, extending approximately from near the surface to about 1.5 km depth. The nature of this zone is discussed in terms of fluid concentration due to the geothermal system of the area.     

Te Kopia geothermal system (New Zealand) — the relationship between its structure and extent

The Te Kopia geothermal system is one of several high-temperature systems in the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) of New Zealand. It is located along the Paeroa Fault Zone, a major active fault system trending NE in the central TVZ. Three independent studies, i.e. resistivity survey, magnetic interpretation, and detailed topographic analysis of faults and fractures, indicate the existence of another fault system, trending NW, that also significantly influences the Te Kopia geothermal system. Results from these studies also show that, at Te Kopia, a resistivity low and hydrothermally demagnetised rocks (both are indicators of a geothermal reservoir in volcanic rocks) clearly coincide with a zone of high fault and fracture density. Hence, the Te Kopia field is a good example of the significant influence that geological structures (major fault systems) have on the extent of a geothermal reservoir, by creating zones of fractured rocks that provide permeable paths for thermal fluids.     

Geothermal resources of Hachijojima

Hachijojima is a gourd-shaped volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean. Nishiyama and Higashiyama volcanoes consist of basalt lava and associated pyroclastic rocks. A promising geothermal resource was found in south Higashiyama, associated with an uplift of Tertiary rocks consisting of mainly andesite lava and related pyroclastic rocks, overlain by Quaternary volcanic rocks. Steep high-temperature (over 250°C) and high-pressure gradients occur in the deeper portion of the system near the Tertiary–Quaternary contact, indicating the presence of a cap rock. The cap rock formed by deposition of hydrothermal minerals. Geothermal fluid ascends from the deeper portions to shallow depths along vertical fractures through the cap rock. These vertical fractures form the geothermal reservoir in the Tertiary formation. Three wells were drilled into these vertical fractures, and approximately 30 t/h of superheated steam was obtained from each well during flow tests. The geothermal fluid is mainly a mixture of seawater and meteoric water in an approximate ratio of 1 to 2, based on chemical analyses, with a portion of volcanic gas included. At present a 3.3 MW_e, geothermal power plant is being constructed here.     

Spatial data analysis and integration for regional-scale geothermal potential mapping,West Java,Indonesia

Conceptual modeling and predictive mapping of potential for geothermal resources at the regional-scale in West Java are supported by analysis of the spatial distribution of geothermal prospects and thermal springs, and their spatial associations with geologic features derived from publicly available regional-scale spatial data sets. Fry analysis shows that geothermal occurrences have regional-scale spatial distributions that are related to Quaternary volcanic centers and shallow earthquake epicenters. Spatial frequency distribution analysis shows that geothermal occurrences have strong positive spatial associations with Quaternary volcanic centers, Quaternary volcanic rocks, quasi-gravity lows, and NE-, NNW-, WNW-trending faults. These geological features, with their strong positive spatial associations with geothermal occurrences, constitute spatial recognition criteria of regional-scale geothermal potential in a study area. Application of data-driven evidential belief functions in GIS-based predictive mapping of regional-scale geothermal potential resulted in delineation of high potential zones occupying 25% of West Java, which is a substantial reduction of the search area for further exploration of geothermal resources. The predicted high potential zones delineate about 53–58% of the training geothermal areas and 94% of the validated geothermal occurrences. The results of this study demonstrate the value of regional-scale geothermal potential mapping in: (a) data-poor situations, such as West Java, and (b) regions with geotectonic environments similar to the study area.     

Drilling and evaluation of Ascension #1, a geothermal exploration well on Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean

A deep (3126 m) geothermal exploration well (Ascension #1) was drilled on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean as the culmination of an exploration program that began in 1982. Ascension #1 encountered several geothermal fluid entries below a depth of 2400 m, and had a bottomhole temperature approaching 250°C. However, the fluid flow rate was limited. While attempting to improve production by drilling a second leg, a mechanical failure resulted in loss of the well. An analysis of the geologic controls on fluid production suggests that fracture permeability is oriented to the northeast and often associated with felsic dikes. The system may be sealed by a thick sequence of hyaloclastites that are mechanically unable to sustain open fractures. The reservoir intersected by Ascension #1 apparently lacks the permeability required for commercial fluid production.     

Geophysical exploration of the Boku geothermal area, Central Ethiopian Rift

The Boku central volcano is located within the axial zone of the Central Ethiopian Rift near the town of Nazareth, Ethiopia. An integrated geophysical survey involving thermal, magnetic, electrical and gravimetric methods has been carried out over the Boku geothermal area in order to understand the circulation of fluids in the subsurface, and to localize the “hot spot” providing heat to the downward migrating groundwaters before they return to the surface. The aim of the investigations was to reconstruct the geometry of the aquifers and the fluid flow paths in the Boku geothermal system, the country's least studied. Geological studies show that it taps heat from the shallow acidic Quaternary volcanic rocks of the Rift floor. The aquifer system is hosted in Quaternary Rift floor ignimbrites that are intensively fractured and receive regional meteoric water recharge from the adjacent escarpment and locally from precipitation and the Awash River. Geophysical surveys have mapped Quaternary faults that are the major geologic structures that allow the ascent of the hotter fluids towards the surface, as well as the cold-water recharge of the geothermal system. The shallow aquifers are mapped, preferred borehole sites for the extraction of thermal fluids are delineated and the depths to deeper thermal aquifers are estimated.     

Thermal modeling of the Clear Lake magmatic-hydrothermal system,California, USA

Recent volcanism, high heat flow (4 HFU or 167 mW/m²), and high conductive geothermal gradients (up to 120°C/km) indicate that heat from a shallow silicic intrusion in the Clear Lake region is largely being dissipated by conduction. The Geysers area has the highest heat flow in the region, consistent with the presence of shallow convective heat transport within the vapor-dominated geothermal system. Thermal modeling of the Clear Lake magmatic-hydrothermal system based on petrologic and geophysical constraints provides a test of petrologic models, and yields insight into the relationships between observed thermal gradient and magma chamber size, abundance, and emplacement history in the crust. A user-interactive two-dimensional (2-D) numerical model allowing for complex host rocks and multiple emplacements of magma was developed to simulate conductive and convective heat transport around magma bodies using a finite-difference approach. Conductive models that are broadly consistent with the petrologic history and observed thermal gradients of the Mt. Konocti and Borax Lake areas imply a combination of high background gradients, shallow magma bodies (roofs at 3–4 km), and recent shallow intrusion not represented by eruption. Models that include zones of convective heat transport directly above magma bodies and/or along overlying fault zones allow for deeper magma bodies (roofs at 4–6 km), but do not easily account for the large areal extent of the thermal anomaly in the Clear Lake region. Consideration of the entire Clear Lake magmatic system, including intrusive equivalents, leads us to conclude that: (1) emplacement of numerous small and shallow silicic magma bodies occurred over essentially the entire region of high heat flow (about 750 km²); (2) only a very small fraction (much less than 10%) of the silicic magma emplaced in the upper crust at Clear Lake was erupted; (3) high conductive thermal gradients are enhanced locally by fault-controlled zones of convective heat (geothermal fluid) transport; and (4) except for the Mt. Hannah and possibly the Borax Lake area, most of the silicic magma present in the upper crust has solidified or nearly solidified. These bodies are currently difficult to distinguish from surrounding hot basement rocks dominated by graywacke using geophysical methods. The Clear Lake region north of the Collayomi fault is one of the best prospects for hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal development in the US, but is unlikely to provide significant development opportunities for conventional geothermal power production. Modeling results suggest the possibility that granitic bodies similar to The Geysers felsite may underlie much of the Clear Lake region at shallow depths (3–6 km). This is significant because future HDR reservoirs could potentially be sited in granitoid plutons rather than in structurally complex Franciscan basement rocks.     

Earthquake activity near Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean, as seen by a combined seismic/hydrophone array

Earthquake activity in the vicinity of Ascension Island is studied using data from a recently installed, very broadband seismographic station and a network of ocean hydrophones deployed around the island. The seismic station ASCN recorded 121 local earthquakes over a 188-day period. Distance from ASCN is computed for 41 of these events, most of which occurred at approximately 100 km—the distance to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. A local magnitude scale is calibrated and applied to the same 41 events with mahnitudes ranging from 0.4 to 4.2. Six earthquakes were located using data from the hydrophones and ASCN. Two of the earthquakes occur on the Ascension Fracture Zone 35 km northwest of the island and the other four near the ridge-transform intersection. The locations have errors less than 10 km and frequently less than 3 km. There is no direct evidence for seismicity connected with geothermal activity on Ascension Island during the observation period.     

An integrated geophysical study of the geothermal field of Tule Chek, B.C., Mexico

A method is described to determine bounds characterizing axisymmetric bodies from a set of gravity data. Bounds on the density contrast as a function of depth to the top and thickness of the anomalous source are obtained by using Parker's ideal body theory and linear programming algorithms. Such bounds are given in terms of trade-off diagrams, where regions of feasible solutions compatible with the observed data can be assured.Gravity data from the Tule Chek, B.C., Mexico, geothermal area were used to compute such trade-off diagrams. Seismic results were employed to constrain the gravity interpretation. An upper bound on the density contrast of 0.6 g/cm³ was estimated, which corresponds to a maximum depth to the top of the anomalous body of 1.75 km. A basement uplift or an intrusive structure may be the two possible sources of the observed data, according to the geophysical and geological evidence.     

Geothermal exploration using geoelectric methods in Kestanbol, Turkey

A self-potential survey was carried out in the Kestanbol area in order to investigate the fault zones that might be associated with geothermal activity. Two fault zones, which could be interpreted as planes electrically polarized by geothermal activity, have been detected by compilation of a self-potential map. A resistivity survey, using the Wenner configuration, was able to identify the geoelectrical structures that are caused by different rocks with variable degrees of fracturation and also affected by geothermal activity. The resistivity maps and two-dimensional geoelectric models indicated a good conductive region (<10 ohm-m) in the southwest part of Kestanbol. On the basis of the results of both methods, a new location is proposed for drilling in this conductive zone.     

Results of a 3D seismic survey at the Travale (Italy) test site

In the last 15 years geothermal exploration in Tuscany, Italy, has addressed deep reservoirs (depth ≥ 3000 m), hosted within complex geological systems, such as metamorphic formations and/or intrusive bodies. Reservoir productivity is linked to fractured and permeable zones that are rather confined and not uniformly distributed. In this context, the seismic methods represent one of the most reliable geophysical techniques for locating potential drilling targets. A 3D seismic survey has been acquired at the Travale test site, and its results have been used to develop a geological and structural model of the site, and to identify and characterize fractured zones inside the deep geothermal reservoir. A correlation between a high-amplitude reflector (H marker) and fractured contact-metamorphic rocks has been highlighted. More than 70% of the total geothermal fluid production at the Travale area comes from this seismic marker.     

Magnetic anomalies associated with high temperature reservoirs in the taupo volcanic zone (New Zealand)

Distinct magnetic total force anomalies are associated with many, but not all, liquid-dominated geothermal reservoirs in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which stand in thick, young (<0.7 Ma) volcanic host rocks. The anomalies are caused by demagnetised rocks (a result of hydrothermal alteration) in the upper 0.5–1 km section of the reservoirs; the phenomenon has been confirmed by core studies. Four different patterns of magnetic anomalies have been recognised. The most common type can be found over high-temperature systems where demagnetisation is confined to the main reservoir. Different anomaly patterns are associated with prospects characterised by subsurface outflows and reservoirs hosted in both normally and reversely magnetised rocks. A rather subdued and almost featureless pattern occurs over a few prospects where rocks lying outside the reservoir have also lost thei magnetisation by interaction with acidic, steam-heated water.     

Geochemistry of thermal waters in the Tengchong volcanic geothermal area, West Yunnan Province, China

The Tengchong volcanic geothermal area is one of the areas in China which has powerful geothermal energy potential. The chemical compositions of the thermal waters discharged in this area were studied to obtain information on boiling and mixing relationships and average reservoir temperatures. Then a conceptual model of the Tengchong volcanic geothermal area was formulated. Hydrothermal areas have reservoir temperatures ranging from 90 to 150°C; such temperatures can be found in up to 60% of the 58 hydrothermal areas. Five hydrothermal areas have high temperatures, with an average reservoir temperature of more than 150°C, and occupy less than 10% of the total. The Hot Sea geothermal field is one of the five high temperature hydrothermal areas where a more detailed investigation was made.     

Geochemical study of fluids on Lesbos island, Greece

Sixty-five water samples and seven associated gas samples have been collected on Lesbos island. The lithology and structural setting have resulted in two main types of hydrological circulation: a shallow circulation hosting low-salinity cold waters and a deeper one, hosting high-salinity hot waters that often emerge in thermal springs near the coast. The cold waters are characterized by Ca(Mg)-HCO₃(SO₄) composition, while the thermal waters generally have an Na-Cl composition. The chemical features of the former can be explained by their circulation in the ophiolite-bearing phyllitic basement and volcanic rocks. Waters circulating in the ultramafic layers of the basement are richer in Mg than the waters whose circulation is mainly within marble levels or volcanic rocks. The Na-Cl thermal waters are characterized by salinities ranging from 1910 to 35,700 mg/kg. As indicated by previous hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies, the Na-Cl composition of the thermal waters on Lesbos is the result of mixing between shallow meteoric waters and marine waters. While interacting with the minerals of the geothermal reservoir, the saline waters retain the Na/Cl sea water ratio but become enriched in Ca²⁺ and depleted in Mg²⁺ with respect to sea water.Processes of hydrothermal alteration at depth are activated by a gas phase enriched in CO₂, which reaches the geothermal reservoir by rising along the deep fractures of the basement. Thermodynamic calculations based on hydrothermal alteration processes occurring at the estimated temperatures of the geothermal reservoir (about 120 °C) indicate that the thermal waters of Lesbos are in equilibrium with talc and dolomite.     

An overview of the Awibengkok geothermal system,Indonesia

The Awibengkok (Salak) geothermal system is a liquid-dominated, fracture-controlled reservoir with benign chemistry and low-to-moderate non-condensable gas content. The geothermal system is hosted mainly by andesitic-to-rhyodacitic rocks, and floored by Miocene marine sedimentary rocks cut by igneous intrusions. The volcanic sequence is capped by an 8400-year-old phreatic explosion breccia, rhyolite fallout tuff (>8400 years and <40,000 years), rhyolite lavas, domes and related tuffs (≥40–120 ka), and dacite-to-rhyodate lavas and domes (185–280 ka) that were erupted across the eastern part of the field from NNE-trending vents controlled by a major fault. More regionally extensive basaltic–andesite to andesite volcanic centers are mostly between 180 and 1610 ka old.