Geothermal Resources of North Dakota: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Since 1979, the North Dakota Geological Survey has been involved in a cooperative study with the U.S. Department of Energy (FC07-79ID12030) to evaluate the hydrothermal resources of North Dakota. Intially, emphasis was placed on using existing data on file with state and federal agencies. Oil and gas well data from the North Dakota Geological Survey and water well data from the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, and North Dakota State Water Commission have been compiled into two computer library systems, WELLFILE and WATERCAT. In addition to summarizing existing information, temperature profiles have been measured in available ground-water observation wells throughout the state. We have installed casing in available test holes in selected areas for terrestr al heat-flow determinations. The information contained in WELLFILE and WATERCAT is being assembled into a catalog of user-oriented aquifer summaries. Depth, thickness, water quality, and temperature data have been summarized for the Madison Group (Mississippian) and the Inyan Kara Formation (Cretaceous) in North Dakota. Work continues on similar data summaries for other Mesozoic and Cenozoic aquifers. The data from temperature logs run in ground-water observation wells have been incorporated in WATERCAT. This information can be displayed as temperature profiles for individual wells, as shallow geothermal gradient maps, and as slice maps of expected temperatures at various depths. Interest in geothermal energy, particularly residential heat pump applications, is increasing in North Dakota. User-oriented data summaries of the information collected during our study are available through the North Dakota Geological Survey. End_of_Article - Last_Page 578------------