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Exploration on the South Flank of Newberry Volcano
Trenton CLADOUHOS, Geoffrey GARRISON, Quinlan BYRNE
[, USA]
Newberry Volcano–a large, active, shield-shaped stratovolcano 20 miles south of Bend, Oregon–has drawn researchers and developers to investigate its promising geothermal potential for 45 years. Exploration focused inside the Caldera prior to establishment of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument (NNVM), and on the NW flank of the volcano since. Quaise Energy is developing a superhot EGS project on the southern flank of the volcano. The geothermal gradient at the site is projected to be 100 °C/km based on adjacent temperature core holes drilled in the 1980’s, suggesting that rock temperatures above 300 C can be reached at 3.5 km depth. Recent MT, gravity, and passive seismic surveys plus regional tectonic studies also provide critical data about the suitability of the site for EGS. To design, drill, and develop a superhot EGS at the site, Quaise will drill a deep conformation well to determine the temperature profile at near-reservoir depth, minimum horizontal principal stress magnitude and orientation, rock type, hydrothermal alteration, deep intrusions, and presence of native permeability and geothermal fluids. A MT survey will provide characteristics of large local structures – fault zones, fault offsets, alteration zones, clay caps – to refine the 3D geothermal conceptual model around the deep borehole. Preliminary results from these field exploration studies will be presented.
Topic: Enhanced Geothermal Systems