Potential and U.S. Navy Plans to Develop Geothermal Resources at Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada

Abstract

In 1980 the U.S. Navy Geothermal Program Office initiated field studies to ascertain the geothermal potential of the Naval Air Station located at Fallon, Nevada. The studies included thermal gradient drilling, aeromagnetics, gravity, land magnetics, coring and deep observation holes. Results of those studies indicate that there is a relatively shallow (5,000 ft) depth to the 400 degree isotherm under the southeast portion of the Mainside facilities with temperature gradients in the range o 5 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit per 100 feet. Results of Na-K-Ca geothermometry studies show that maximum temperatures that can be anticipated at NAS Fallon are in the range of 369°F to 399°F. Data indicated there is a moderate to high temperature resource at an exploitable depth in the vicinity.