An Integrated Multidisciplinary Re-Evaluation of the Geothermal System at Valles Caldera, New Mexico, Using an Immersive Three-Dimensional (3D) Visualization Environment

Abstract

We describe an approach to explore the spatial relationships of a geothermal resource by examining diverse geological, geophysical, and geochemical data sets using the immersive 3-dimensional (3D) visualization capabilities of the University of California – Davis (UCD) Keck Center for Active Visualization in the Earth Sciences (KeckCAVES). The KeckCAVES is a state-of-the-art facility where stereoscopic images are projected onto four, 8-foot by 10-foot surfaces (three walls and a floor). The user perceives a seamless 3D image of the data, which they can manipulate and interact with, allowing a more intuitive interpretation of data set relationships than is possible with traditional 2-dimensional (2D) techniques. Here we incorporate diverse geothermal data sets relating to the geothermal system at Valles Caldera, New Mexico including: topography, lithology, geologic structures, temperature, alteration mineralogy, and magnetotelluric information. With the ability to rapidly and intuitively observe data inter-relationships, we are able to efficiently and rapidly draw conclusions about the structure of the Valles Caldera geothermal system. The application of immersive 3D modeling to geothermal systems can provide industry with a method to make more informed assessments and cost-effective approaches for developing a key low carbon emission resource.