High-temperature Geothermal Field Research Articles

Representative High-Temperature Hydrothermal Activities in the Himalaya Geothermal Belt (HGB): A Review and Future Perspectives

Southern Tibet and western Yunnan are areas with an intensive distribution of high-temperature geothermal systems in China, as an important part of the Himalayan Geothermal Belt (HGB). In recent decades, China has conducted systematic research on high-temperature geothermal fields such as Yangbajing, Gudui, and Rehai. However, a comprehensive understanding has not yet been formed. The objective of this study was to enhance comprehension of the high-temperature geothermal system in the HGB and to elucidate the hydrogeochemical characteristics of geothermal fluids. This will facilitate the subsequent sustainable development and exploitation of domestic high-temperature hydrothermal geothermal resources. To this end, this study analysed geothermal spring and borehole data from the Yangbajing, Gudui, and Rehai geothermal fields. Based on previous research results, the source, evolution, and reservoir temperature characteristics of geothermal fluids are compared and summarised. The main high-temperature geothermal water in the geothermal field is derived from the deep Cl-Na geothermal fluid. Yangbajing’s and Gudui’s geothermal waters are primarily recharged by snow-melt water, while Rehai’s geothermal water is mainly recharged by local meteoric water. The average mixing ratios of magmatic water in the Yangbajing, Gudui, and Rehai geothermal fields are 17%, 21%, and 22%, respectively. The Yangbajing and Gudui geothermal fields have a relatively closed geological environment, resulting in a stronger water–rock interaction compared to the Rehai geothermal field. As geothermal water rises, it mixes with shallow cold water infiltration. The mixing ratios of cold water in the Yangbajing, Gudui, and Rehai geothermal fields are 60–70%, 40–50%, and 20–40%, respectively. Based on the solute geothermometer calculations, the maximum geothermal reservoir temperatures for Yangbajing, Gudui, and Rehai are 237 °C, 266 °C, and 282 °C, respectively. This study summarises and compares the hydrogeochemical characteristics of three typical high-temperature geothermal fields. The findings provide an important theoretical basis for the development of high-temperature geothermal resources in the Himalayan Geothermal Belt.

Transdimensional ambient-noise surface wave tomography of the Reykjanes Peninsula, SW Iceland

SUMMARY Ambient noise seismic tomography has proven to be an effective tool for subsurface imaging, particularly in volcanic regions such as the Reykjanes Peninsula (RP), SW Iceland, where ambient seismic noise is ideal with isotropic illumination. The primary purpose of this study is to obtain a reliable shear wave velocity model of the RP, to get a better understanding of the subsurface structure of the RP and how it relates to other geoscientific results. This is the first tomographic model of the RP which is based on both on- and off-shore seismic stations. We use the ambient seismic noise data and apply a novel algorithm called one-step 3-D transdimensional tomography. The main geological structures in the study area (i.e. covered by seismic stations) are the four NE–SW trending volcanic systems, orientated highly oblique to the plate spreading on the RP. These are from west to east; Reykjanes, Eldvörp-Svartsengi, Fagradalsfjall and Krýsuvík, of which all except Fagradalsfjall host a known high-temperature geothermal field. Using surface waves retrieved from ambient noise recordings, we recovered a 3-D model of shear wave velocity. We observe low-velocity anomalies below these known high-temperature fields. The observed low-velocity anomalies below Reykjanes and Eldvörp-Svartsengi are significant but relatively small. The low-velocity anomaly observed below Krýsuvík is both larger and stronger, oriented near-perpendicular to the volcanic system, and coinciding well with a previously found low-resistivity anomaly. A low-velocity anomaly in the depth range of 5–8 km extends horizontally along the whole RP, but below the high-temperature fields, the onset of the velocity decrease is shallower, at around 3 km depth. This is in good agreement with the brittle–ductile transition zone on the RP. In considerably greater detail, our results confirm previous tomographic models obtained in the area. This study demonstrates the potential of the entirely data-driven, one-step 3-D transdimensional ambient noise tomography as a routine tomography tool and a complementary seismological tool for geothermal exploration, providing an enhanced understanding of the upper crustal structure of the RP.

Hydrogeochemistry and isotopic assessment of a new geothermal prospect in rancho Nuevo (Guanajuato-Central Mexico)

Mexico has five high-temperature geothermal fields, three of which are located in an active volcanic arc known as the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in central Mexico. In this geological province, there are numerous hot springs, many of which have not been studied yet. It is the case of the Rancho Nuevo area, which is composed of two hot springs and thermal groundwater wells. The present study focuses on the hydrogeochemical and isotopic characterization of the Rancho Nuevo geothermal system. According to the results cationic exchange, silicates and carbonates rock alteration processes are occurring. A cooling of thermal water is also carried out caused by a mixing process between deep Na-Cl type water and shallow Na-HCO3. In addition, the most relevant process identified in the study area is the water-rock interaction and corroborated by the stable isotope results showing enrichment of δ18O. All these processes are enhanced by the thermal activity in the region. The CO2 and N2 concentrations confirm the geothermal activity in the Rancho Nuevo area. The CH4 concentration is also typical of geothermal fluids and may represent a magma degassing.Finally, the reservoir temperature was estimated at 225 °C ± 15 °C based on silica, cation, and integrated multicomponent solute geothermometers. Therefore, the Rancho Nuevo geothermal area can be defined as a high-temperature system and as a very interesting prospect; however, for geothermal resource production, the calcium carbonate deposition in the wells shall be considered.

Geochemical and H–O–Sr–B isotope signatures of Yangyi geothermal fields: implications for the evolution of thermal fluids in fracture-controlled type geothermal system, Tibet, China

High-temperature hydrothermal systems are mainly distributed in the north–south graben systems of southern Tibet as an important part of the Mediterranean–Tethys Himalayan geothermal belt in mainland China. As the largest unit capacity and second stable operating geothermal power station in China, Yangyi is the fracture-controlled type geothermal field in the center of Yadong–Gulu Graben. In this paper, hydrogeological and hydrochemical characteristics, isotope composition (δD and δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr and δ11B) of borehole water, hot springs, and surface river samples were analyzed. From the conservative elements (such as Cl− and Li+) and δD and δ18O values, the geothermal water of the Yangyi high-temperature geothermal field is estimated to be of meteoric origin with the contributions of chemical components of the magmatic fluid, which is provided by partially molten granite as a shallow magmatic heat source. According to logging data, the geothermal gradient and terrestrial heat flow value of the Yangyi high-temperature geothermal field are 6.48 ℃/100 m and 158.37 mW m−2, respectively. Combining the hydrothermal tracer experiment, 87Sr/86Sr and δ11B ratios obtained with gradually decreasing reservoir temperatures from the Bujiemu stream geothermal zone to Qialagai stream geothermal zone, we suggested the deep geothermal waters were mixed with local cold groundwater and then flow northeastward, forming the shallow reservoir within the crushed zone and intersect spot of faults in the Himalayan granitoid. Furthermore, in the process of ascent, the geothermal water is enriched in K+, Na+, and HCO3− during the interaction with underlying Himalayan granitoid and pyroclastic rocks that occur as wall rocks. The detailed description and extensive discussion are of great significance for the further exploitation and utilization of north–south trending geothermal belts in Tibet.

Three-dimensional audio magnetotelluric imaging of the Yangyi geothermal field in Tibet, China

The Yangyi geothermal field in southern Tibet has enormous potential for geothermal energy development. It is the high-temperature geothermal field at the highest elevation in the world, and the second largest high-temperature geothermal field in China. The total planned installed capacity of the geothermal power station is 32 MW. At present, no detailed three-dimensional (3D) geophysical survey has been carried out in the Yangyi geothermal field, and in-depth research is urgently needed. The main goal of our geophysical exploration is to study the geothermal structure of this region. In this study, the audio magnetotelluric (AMT) data of 85 stations were collected in the Yangyi geothermal field. The average distance between the stations was about 500 m, and the dimensions of the exploration area were 6 × 7 km. First, we analyzed the magnetotelluric data using the phase tensor method to qualitatively estimate the dimensionality of the subsurface resistivity structure. Then, by performing 3D inversion of 85 AMT data with relatively high quality, the 3D resistivity model from the surface to a depth of 2 km was determined, the high-temperature hydrothermal system under the Yangyi geothermal field was displayed for the first time. In addition, the main characteristics of the geothermal system were identified, and the genetic mechanism of the geothermal system was discussed based on the geological information and borehole data.

Inferring the magmatic roots of volcano-geothermal systems in the Rotorua Caldera and Okataina Volcanic Centre from magnetotelluric models

To investigate the underlying magmatic systems that drive high-temperature geothermal fields and volcanism in the north-central Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), we use a combination of land and lake-bottom magnetotelluric (MT) measurements. In total, MT data from 399 sites (including 34 lake-bottom locations) across 2800 km2 covering the Rotorua Caldera and Okataina Volcanic Centre are inverted to image the 3-D resistivity structure of the crust to 20 km depth. Beneath this region, a singular conductive zone in the mid-crust is shown, inferred to represent a complex of relatively mafic magma, consistent with petrologic and other geophysical data. Discrete low-resistivity (conductive) plumes rise from the margins of this magmatic complex and connect 1-to-1 with the locations of high-temperature geothermal fields at the surface. These plumes are inferred to represent pathways of heat transfer through the crust via magmatic intrusion and exsolved saline fluids, and inform connections with other geothermal areas located nearby to the major fields. An additional conductive plume rises beneath the area where the most voluminous recent volcanism has occurred in the Okataina Volcanic Centre; the summit region (e.g. Makatiti dome) in the Haroharo Volcanic Complex that has erupted 39 km3 (magma equivalent) in the past 9 ka. While hot springs locate around this conductive plume at the base of the rhyolite domes, the plume itself is arrested at 1–2 km depth beneath the resistive (inferred impermeable) young (5 ka old) rhyolite lava domes, and is considered to represent a deep ‘blind’ geothermal system in the TVZ.

The contribution of hydrothermal mineral alteration analysis and gas geothermometry for understanding high-temperature geothermal fields – The case of Ribeira Grande geothermal field, Azores

The Ribeira Grande geothermal field is located on the northern flank of Fogo Volcano (S. Miguel Island, Azores) and it is characterised by the presence of several active hydrothermal manifestations. An analysis of the RG5 geothermal well has been carried out by the recognition of neoformation minerals with depth and the estimation of equilibrium temperatures. The formation of hydrothermal minerals depends not only on temperature but also on subsurface geology. The mineral assemblage consisting of chlorite + quartz + haematite ± calcite ± anatase ± titanite + albite ± adularia (± dolomite) shows temperature above 235 °C, and the main alteration is divided into a smectite zone followed by a chlorite zone at depth. The adularia appearance evidences a boiling zone at the top of the reservoir and illite and chlorite also suggest fluid level fluctuations in the past. The H2/Ar gas geothermometry applied to the gases emitted by fumaroles points to a temperature of 256 °C for the reservoir feeding a fumarolic field located close to the RG5, which sustains the mineralogical research.

Advanced characterization of hydrothermal flows within recharge and discharge areas using rare earth elements, proved through a case study of two-phase reservoir geothermal field, in Southern Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Rare earth element (REE) analysis is effective for tracing water–rock interactions and solute transport in geothermal and groundwater systems. This study aimed to clarify hydrothermal flows within recharge and discharge areas of a geothermal system. We selected a well-known high-temperature geothermal field with two-phase reservoir in Southern Bandung, West Java (Indonesia) as a case study target, and collected 31 river/spring samples and 8 well rock samples. The measured total REE series concentrations ranged widely in the water samples, i.e., rivers: 3.4–35 ppt, cold springs: 0.3–284 ppt, and hot springs: 1.4 ppt to 102 ppm. Enrichment of light REEs (LREEs) in the water samples was characterized more clearly by Post Archean Australian Shale normalization than by chondrite normalization. Speciation analysis derived the following interpretations: dissolved REEs in the river water originated from free ions or Ln3+ that are typically contained in near-surface groundwater, and the dominant components were carbonate (LnCO3+) and Ln3+ complexes in the cold springs and LnCO3+ complexation in the hot springs. Steam and gas condensation into less-oxygenated groundwater can be indicated by rich LnCO3+. Only one hot spring was interpreted as being directly connected with the reservoir by strong H2S condensation and LREE enrichment. The water of the other cold and hot springs probably underwent dilution, evaporation, and magmatic gas condensation through shallow, deep, and deep-perched aquifers, permeable zones, and a major fault within the recharge and discharge areas. REE results also suggest that the main constituents of the aquifers are carbonates and silicate minerals and hydrothermally altered lahars, andesitic lava, and pyroclastic flow deposits. REEs facilitate detailed interpretation of geochemistry facies in shallow–deep waters of a hydrothermal system. Finally, integration of the analysis results of REEs, major anions and cations, water isotopes, and strontium isotopes improved a conceptual model of groundwater flows and recharge–discharge interactions in aquifers feeding a geothermal reservoir.

Ambient seismic noise monitoring and imaging at the Theistareykir geothermal field (Iceland)

In autumn 2017 a network of 14 broadband seismic stations was deployed at the Theistareykir high temperature geothermal field (NE Iceland). This experiment was conducted as part of the current efforts to characterize the field's main structures, and possible short and long term stress variations due to the ongoing fluid injection and extraction operations which started in autumn 2017. In this work, we use two years of continuous seismic records (October 2017–October 2019) to compute a 3D shear wave velocity model of the geothermal field and to detect possible crustal stress changes related to the injection and production activities. From phase cross-correlations of the vertical component recordings, we measure the Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion curves to obtain 2D group velocity maps between 1 and 5 s. Subsequently, we use a neighborhood algorithm to retrieve the 3D shear wave velocity model of Theistareykir. Mainly, two sets of elongated high and low velocity anomalies can be observed oriented in a NW/WNW direction, parallel to the lineaments of the active Tjörnes fracture zone. Velocity reductions west of Ketilfjall and at Baerjafjall could indicate the location of upflow zones of the magmatic reservoir or hydrothermal system. We analyzed the temporal evolution of phase and amplitude of phase auto-correlations using the stretching technique and discuss their behavior in relation to the geothermal field operations. We notice a slightly stronger long-term velocity decrease in the reservoir region compared to outer regions. This could be related to the mass depletion in that area (higher fluid extraction compared to the water reinjection). In summary, our findings show how a monitoring network can be set up to enable a detailed imaging and monitoring of reservoir behavior in general.

Genetic mechanisms of sinter deposit zones in the Yangyi geothermal field, Tibet: Evidence from the hydrochemistry of geothermal fluid

Yangyi is a typical high temperature geothermal field in the Tibetan Plateau. Massive siliceous and calcareous sinters have developed in the northern Qialagai Valley and the southern Bujiemu Valley, respectively. This suggests that the deep geothermal fluids in the northern and southern areas may experience different hydrogeochemical processes during ascent to the surface. By combining the analysis of hydrochemical composition, classical chemical geothermometers and multicomponent geothermometry with water-rock interaction models, this study analyzes the genetic mechanisms of the different types of sinters developed in the southern and northern parts of the same geothermal field. The equilibrium temperatures and degrees of water-rock interaction in the deep reservoirs are similar in the Bujimu and Qialagai valleys. CO2 degassing took place during deep geothermal fluid ascent to the surface in Qialagai only. This process leads to calcite precipitation, thus, Ca and HCO3 are consumed, leading to a deficiency in the formation of calcareous sinters. Deep geothermal fluids supersaturated with respect to SiO2 have cooled and precipitated rapidly as siliceous sinters in low-temperature and low-pressure environments. The deep geothermal fluids in Bujiemu mix with cold groundwater during ascent, and the mixing ratio of the cold groundwater is 58–66%, as calculated using Cl− concentrations. In the case of Bujiemu hot springs, the water-rock interaction models built with the PHREEQC program shows that calcite and fluorite dissolve along the flow path, which leads to an increase in the concentrations of Ca, HCO3, and F. The SiO2 concentration of the deep geothermal fluid is diluted by mixing with cold water, which leads to a deficiency of material for the formation of siliceous sinters. However, Ca and HCO3 concentrations are not significantly influenced, and the decrease in water temperature and dissolution of calcite and fluorite provides an advantage for the formation of calcareous sinters in the Bujiemu Valley.

Integrating Stable Isotopes with Mean Residence Time Estimation to Characterize Groundwater Circulation in a Metamorphic Geothermal Field in Yilan, Taiwan

This paper presents a water circulation model by combing oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes and mean residence time (MRT) estimation in a high-temperature metamorphic geothermal field, Tuchen, in Yilan, Taiwan. A total of 18 months of oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes of surface water and thermal water show the same variation pattern, heavier values in summer and lighter values in the rest of the year. A shift of δ18O with a relative constant δD indicates the slow fluid–rock interaction process in the study area. Two adjacent watersheds, the Tianguer River and Duowang River, exhibit different isotopic values and imply different recharge altitudes. The seasonal variation enabled us to use stable isotope to estimate mean residence time of groundwater in the study area. Two wells, 160 m and 2200 m deep, were used to estimate mean residence time of the groundwater. Deep circulation recharges from higher elevations, with lighter isotopic values, 5.9‰ and 64‰ of δ18O and δD, and a longer mean residence time, 1148 days, while the shallow circulation comes from another source with heavier values, 5.7‰ and 54.4‰ of δ18O and δD, and a shorter mean residence time, 150 days. A two-circulation model was established based on temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of stable isotopes and the assistance of MRT. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the combined usage for further understanding water circulation of other various temperatures of metamorphic geothermalfields.

ВРЕМЕННЫЕ ИМПУЛЬСЫ КАЙНОЗОЙСКОГО ЭКСПЛОЗИВНО-ФРЕАТИЧЕСКОГО ВУЛКАНИЗМА В ЮГО-ЗАПАДНОМ ПРИМОРЬЕ. КОРРЕЛЯЦИЯ ИЗОТОПНЫХ И ФИТОСТРАТИГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ДАТИРОВОК

The Cenozoic tephra deposits - products of explosive phreatic eruptions of maar volcanoes in the southwest of Primorye are studied. The deposits represent rhyolitic ash and pumice pyroclastic beds with a high terrigenous component, including tephroid pseudo-conglomerates. Isotopic dating of tephra beds established two time pulses of explosive volcanism: 30–34 Mya and 23–24 Mya. The first time pulse coincided with the beginning of the formation of marginal seas and continental coal basins. It corresponds to the most productive stage of coal accumulation, the burial of wood wastes and their coalification at a faster rate, and the development of a high-temperature geothermal field and can be compared with the well-known catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens in the U.S.A. The second time pulse of explosive volcanism had a regional character of manifestation. It is characterized by the formation of green tuff complexes on submarine elevations of the Sea of Japan as well as along the western and eastern coasts of Japan. Synchronously with the volcanic activity started the acceleration of the sinking rate of the Sea of Japan bottom in response to the active rising of asthenospheric diapirs. The established isotopic ages do not conform to the ages determined for fossil leaves and pollen from the deposits, which may reflect the climate-forming type of such an explosive process.

Design and Safety Considerations for Coiled Tubing Operations in Geothermal Wells

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 30408, “Design and Safety Considerations To Perform Coiled Tubing Operations in Large-Diameter, High-Temperature Geothermal Wells,” by Ishaan Singh, SPE, Danny Aryo Wijoseno, SPE, and Kellen Wolf, Schlumberger, et al., prepared for the 2020 Offshore Technology Conference Asia, originally scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, 17–19 August. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission. The productive section in a high-pressure, high-temperature (HP/HT) geothermal Field A in the Philippines features shallow and deep reservoirs separated by a low-permeability formation. However, recent years have seen a reduction in production levels. To activate and enhance well production, coiled tubing (CT) nitrogen-lift operations were required. CT simulations were combined with simulations from the geothermal reservoir to overcome modeling limitations. The outcome helped the design of a new cooling-loop system and allowed optimization of the nitrogen-lift technique. As a result, two large-diameter geothermal wells were lifted safely with 2-in. CT. Introduction This study describes design and safety considerations in performing CT operations in high-temperature, large- diameter geothermal wells. The customized high-temperature-grade seal material was chosen to withstand high bottomhole temperatures (BHT) (600°F), and a heat exchanger riser system was designed and tested on the job to handle high-surface-temperature steam (350–400°F), thus mitigating potential well-control incidents. Challenges of Seal Damage Caused by High Surface Temperatures in Live Well Intervention The CT interventions in quenched HP/HT geothermal wells reduce the risk of surface equipment failure. The seal material readily available in the market is rated to 250°F, but, if quenching is not possible, the high-temperature steam (approximately 350–400°F) may flow into the pressure-control equipment, leading to seal damage and CT contingencies. At high temperatures (400°F), these seals are unusable. It becomes essential to use a surface heat exchange riser (HER) system to prevent this issue. Design and Execution of HER Systems in Field A To avoid any well contingency and to keep pressure-control equipment safe, HER systems can be used. Some basic designs for HERs are described in the complete paper. For this study, a customized 4.06-in. HER cooling system (Design 1, shown in Fig. 1) was designed to accommodate 2-in. CT pipe. Design 1 was chosen from an evaluation of three design candidates outlined in the complete paper. The wellhead stack featured seal elements rated to high temperatures (400°F). To prevent high- temperature steam from entering the wellhead stack, the blowout preventer, and other surface- equipment elements, an efficient HER system was designed wherein, while the CT is still in the well performing CT operations, the cold water can be pumped into the CT-stack annulus from the top flow cross through the cooling riser to the bottom flow cross and back to the return tank. The temperature of the cooling loop was continuously monitored to ensure that it was well below 212°F (the boiling point of water).

Characterization and Comparison of geothermal fluids geochemistry within the Kızıldere Geothermal Field in Turkey: New findings with power capacity expanding studies

The Kızıldere geothermal field is the first known high-temperature geothermal field in Turkey. The field is located in the Büyük Menderes Graben (BMG), Western Anatolia (Turkey). There are four production sections (reservoir-I, II, III, and IV) with different rock compositions and geochemical characteristics in the production area. Identifying and characterizing these production units may give a good insight into field development plans for a sustainable production. This study aims to characterize production sections of the Kızıldere geothermal field using geology, hydrogeochemical properties such as chemistry, stable isotope, and non-condensable gas compositions. The results of gas and water analysis showed that geothermal fluids are of a meteoric origin in all producing sections. It was also found from the analyses that more intensive water-rock interactions take place as the reservoir temperature irises. Based on the different geochemical characteristics of each producing section, we thought that impermeable sediments like mica-schists and chlorite-schists lying between the reservoir units act as a seal. In light of this study, it can be concluded that the Kızıldere geothermal reservoir is very heterogeneous due to vertically compartmentalized reservoir sections that require a unique injection-production configuration for a sustainable production lifetime.

An integrated geophysical, hydrological, thermal approach to finite volume modelling of fault-controlled geothermal fluid circulation in Gediz Graben

Many high temperature geothermal fields generally occur at settings of recent active tectonism or volcanism accompanied by the active faults and fractures. It is well known that the structural controls such as topography, active faults, etc., have a major effect on fluid flow pathways in those systems. In this paper, a complete hydro-thermo-geophysical model is created for the first time in the Gediz Graben, Western Anatolia. The finite volume method is used for numerical simulations by implementing a finite volume code, ANSYS-Fluent. The thermal and physical rock properties used in the model are taken from previous studies. Fluid flow velocity vectors and resulted temperature patterns for the region are calculated and presented. Our simulations demonstrate that the low-angle Master Graben Boundary Fault (MGBF) has three dominant roles 1) transporting the meteoric water to the depths; 2) distributing the heated geothermal water into the basin with inner basin faults, 3) transmitting the heated water to the surface. The model in this work can be easily adopted and extended to explore the possible reservoir structures in other geothermal areas.

Distribution and origin of organic compounds in the condensates from a Mexican high-temperature geothermal field

We report herein for the first time, the presence and relative composition of medium volatility organic compounds in samples from a super-hot geothermal field in Mexico. We sampled ten water/vapor condensates from active exploitation wells from Los Humeros Geothermal field. We identified 48 compounds, being alkanes, aromatics and S-bearing the predominant homologues, followed by O-bearing. Evidence suggests that the origin of the hydrocarbons is mainly thermogenic derived from hydrothermal alteration of buried organic matter, supported by the presence of aromatics, S-bearing and an alkane CPI below 1. The results of this study increase the scarce knowledge of dissolved organic fraction in hydrothermal systems.

Major, trace and rare earth elements geochemistry of geothermal waters from the Rehai high-temperature geothermal field in Tengchong of China

Major and trace elements geochemistry of high-temperature geothermal waters are important for understanding the subsurface transport and transfer of mass during groundwater circulation. The major constituents and trace elements, including rare earth elements, are discussed to reveal the source of elements and the hydrogeochemical processes occurring in the geothermal waters in the Rehai high-temperature geothermal field in Southwest China. Neutral-alkaline bicarbonate geothermal waters and acid sulfate waters are observed in Rehai due to different genesises. The bicarbonate waters contain higher concentrations of Na, K, Cl, HCO3, Li, Be, F, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Ga, Rb, Nb, Sb, Cs, W, Tl, Zr and Si and less SO4 than the sulfate waters. The hydrogeochemical analyses show that the recharge of magmatic fluids, mixing with cold water and water-rock interaction affect the concentration of the elements. The geothermal waters and host rock REE chondrite-normalized patterns and the Eu anomalies are inherited from the host rock signature. Negative Ce anomalies may result from oxidative scavenging process of Ce and/or adsorbtion by the precipitation of Fe oxyhydroxides. T, TDS, pH and Fe/Mn minerals all affect the REE concentrations of geothermal waters. Calculations of REE speciation show that in the alkaline waters, Ln(CO3)2- is the major speciation. In the neutral waters, Ln(CO3)2- and LnCO3+ are the main speciation. In the weak acid waters, LnCO3+ is the main speciation and LnSO4+ are the major speciation in the strong acid water.

Remote sensing of surface Hydrothermal Alteration, identification of Minerals and Thermal anomalies at Sveifluháls-Krýsuvík high-temperature Geothermal field, SW Iceland

This study used optical remote sensors to identify surface hydrothermal alteration and thermal anomalies in Krýsuvík geothermal field. Multispectral Landsat and ASTER satellite images were used to identify hydrothermal alteration minerals and thermal anomalies. A hyperspectral image from Hyperion was used for the analysis of absorption features. Spectral analysis from the visible (VIS) to the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) allowed the identification of possible sulfur, iron oxides, and montmorillonite. A time series analysis of thermal anomalies using the nighttime satellite images from 2002 to 2017 detected extinct surface hydrothermal activity southwest of the study area, and a thermal anomaly possibly affected by crustal deformation in the southeast. In Seltún area, thermal infrared (TIR) images acquired by a camera on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were compared with ground measurements; the aim was assessing the accuracy of the TIR images regarding the distance between the camera and the ground. The TIR image taken at 30 m elevation was used to calculate radiative heat flux; values were in same order of magnitude than the heat flux through the soil estimated by using ground measurements. This study provides insights for monitoring natural or induced changes on the surface geothermal activity of geothermal fields.

Geothermal Well Drilling and Deep Fault

Hydrothermal geothermal resources rely on geological structure condition. Deep fault owns important function in geothermal system. It is specially for high temperature geothermal field which located in volcano and recent magma area. Such fractured reservoir depends on the distribution of deep fault.The purpose of geothermal well drilling is to gain thermal energy and fluid as much as possible. High quality geothermal well starts from well drilling design. Such design should select your target fault and decide a certain depth to encounter the fault. When implementation of the drilling it is very important to take care if the drilling touching fault. Over-drilling after penetrating fault will lead reversed result. Many examples have explained such stories.

Review of induced seismicity in geothermal systems worldwide and implications for geothermal systems in the Netherlands

AbstractGeothermal energy is a viable alternative to gas for the heating of buildings, industrial areas and greenhouses, and can thus play an important role in making the transition to sustainable energy in the Netherlands. Heat is currently produced from the Dutch subsurface through circulation of water between two wells in deep (1.5–3 km) geothermal formations with temperature of up to ∼100 °C. As the number of these so-called doublets is expected to increase significantly over the next decades, and targeted depths and temperatures increase, it is important to assess potential show-stoppers related to geothermal operations. One of these potential hazards is the possibility of the occurrence of felt seismic events, which could potentially damage infrastructure and housing, and affect public support. Such events have been observed in several geothermal systems in other countries. Here we review the occurrence (or the lack) of felt seismic events in geothermal systems worldwide and identify key factors influencing the occurrence and magnitude of these events. Based on this review, we project the findings for seismicity in geothermal systems to typical geothermal formations and future geothermal developments in the Netherlands. The case study review shows that doublets that circulate fluids through relatively shallow, porous, sedimentary aquifers far from the crystalline basement are unlikely to generate felt seismic events. On the other hand, stimulations or circulations in or near competent, fractured, basement rocks and production and reinjection operations in high-temperature geothermal fields are more prone to induce felt events, occasionally with magnitudes ofM> 5.0. Many of these operations are situated in tectonically active areas, and stress and temperature changes may be large. The presence of large, optimally oriented and critically stressed faults increases the potential for induced seismicity. The insights from the case study review suggest that the potential for the occurrence ofM> 2.0 seismicity for geothermal operations in several of the sandstone target formations in the Netherlands is low, especially if faults can be avoided. The potential for induced seismicity may be moderate for operations in faulted carbonate rocks. Induced seismicity always remains a complex and site-specific process with large unknowns, and can never be excluded entirely. However, assessing the potential for inducing felt seismic events can be improved by considering the relevant (site-specific) geological and operational key factors discussed in this article.