| Title | Using Hydrogeologic Data to Evaluate Geothermal Potential in the Eastern Great Basin |
|---|---|
| Authors | Masbruch, Melissa D.; Heilweil, Victor M.; Brooks, Lynette E. |
| Year | 2012 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Regional groundwater flow; surficial heat flow; geothermal resources; carbonate aquifer; Great Basin |
| Abstract | In support of a larger study to evaluate geothermal resource development of high-permeability stratigraphic units in sedimentary basins, this paper integrates groundwater and thermal data to evaluate heat and fluid flow within the eastern Great Basin.Previously published information from a hydrogeologic framework, a potentiometric-surface map, and groundwater budgets was compared to a surficial heat-flow map. Comparisons between regional groundwater flow patterns and surficial heat flow indicate a strong spatial relation between regional groundwater movement and surficial heat distribution. Combining aquifer geometry and heat-flow maps, a selected group of subareas within the eastern Great Basin are identified that have high surficial heat flow and are underlain by a sequence of thick basin-fill deposits and permeable carbonate aquifers. These regions may have potential for future geothermal resources development. |