| Title | 3D Gravity and Magnetic Vector Inversion Modelling at Buffalo Valley, Nevada, USA |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jeffrey Witter |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Exploration, subsurface characterization, Nevada, 3D geophysical inversion modelling, gravity, magnetics |
| Abstract | Buffalo Valley is located in northern Nevada (USA) and is one of the detailed study sites for the U.S. Department of Energy’s INGENIOUS geothermal research project. Buffalo Valley can be subdivided into northern and southern focus areas, both of which contain geothermally-favourable structural play types including fault step-overs and accommodation zones. Gravity and magnetic survey data, surface geologic and structural mapping data, rock property data, 2D potential field profile models, and an initial 3D geologic model were all completed as part of the INGENIOUS project. These data and models were used to perform 3D geophysical inversion modelling of gravity and magnetic data as a means to test and update the initial 3D geological model. The aim of the 3D gravity modelling was to help better characterize the geometry and fault-bounded geologic relations of the major rock units. 3D magnetic vector inversion modelling was performed to help identify the location and geometry of reversely magnetized rock bodies present in the subsurface. The results of the 3D gravity and magnetic vector inversion modelling, and implications for the geothermal resources in Buffalo Valley, will be presented. |