| Abstract |
In 2016, the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) initiated a research program, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Canada and several Canadian universities, to better understand the potential for geothermal resources in Yukon, a territory located in Arctic Canada. The project began with compilation of geothermally-relevant geoscience data already in YGS archives and was followed by identification of potential geothermal play types, considering the Cordilleran geology and structure of Yukon. Mapping of the Curie point depth and existing temperature gradient (TG) data suggest elevated crustal heat flow in Yukon (90-105 mW/m²) compared to global crustal average (~64 mW/m²). As part of the program, new geoscience data collection included gravity, passive electromagnetic, and passive seismic surveys; analysis of radiogenic heat production of plutonic rocks; and drilling of three TG holes. Subsurface characterization studies, that involved construction of 3D geological models, were carried out at five Yukon communities. For three of these communities (Burwash Landing, Watson Lake, and Teslin) the goal was to better understand geothermal potential along three major, crustal-scale fault systems in southern Yukon. Additional subsurface characterization studies were completed at Haines Junction, to better understand a warm sedimentary aquifer geothermal system, and at the territorial capital, Whitehorse, to characterize the geothermal system feeding a group of warm springs. These studies identified geothermal drill targets for low temperature (<100°C) geothermal resources at all five communities. This research program provides a geoscience foundation for future work to explore and develop geothermal direct-use heating opportunities in the cold climate of Yukon, Canada. |