| Title | Two-Meter Temperature Surveys for Geothermal Exploration Project at NAS Fallon |
|---|---|
| Authors | Skord, Justin; Sladek, Chris; Coolbaugh, Mark; Cashman, Patricia H.; Lazaro, Michael; Kratt, Chris |
| Year | 2011 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Shallow temperature survey; Dixie Valley; NAS Fallon; exploration; Pirouette Mountain |
| Abstract | The two-meter temperature survey method is a fast and inexpensive method of geothermal exploration but its main limitation is the need to consider possible surface effects on temperature data. In recent years the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy has made progress toward developing methods and corrections aimed at eliminating these effects. Seasonal drift, albedo, slope-aspect, and thermal diffusivity are among the surface-effects being considered in this project. Initial results from two-meter temperature surveys on Navy managed land near Fallon, Nevada indicate the presence of several temperature anomalies. At least one of the anomalous areas seems to be geothermal-related. The others are more subtle and may be related to surface effects. The most significant shallow temperature anomaly was found at the Pirouette Mountain area. This area was previously identified from drilling. A more recent gradient hole, drilled by the Navy Geothermal Program, found a temperature of ~77 at a depth of ~150m. No shallow temperature surveys have previously been conducted in the Pirouette Mountain area. The two-meter anomaly found here is characterized by temperatures 3-4°C above background, and covers a north-south trending area 3-5km long. |