Fluid sources and flow paths of non-magmatic convective geothermal resources in extensional and compressional terranes

Abstract

The complete cycle of fluid, from origin to discharge, in non-magmatic convective geothermal resources is a significant but not fully understood feature of the dynamics of geothermal systems. It should be a key component in designing exploration strategies and for understanding constraints on projections of long-term sustained production of each resource. The tectonic settings of non-magmatic geothermal resources range from extensional terrane to compressional orogenic terrane. The sources of fluid can range from meteoric to mantle. One of the more common geothermal resource features of both these tectonic settings is the structural dilation conduits that host the near-surface upwelling geothermal fluid. These structural dilations are the primary exploration target for sustained geothermal production. This discussion is an abridged overview of a very broad topic.