Low Enthalpy Geothermal Resources: Miranda-Kaiaua, New Zealand

Abstract

A survey was carried out in the Miranda-Kaiaua area to determine whether the low enthalpy geothermal resource is one resource, or two altogether separate resources. As part of the survey, water samples from four sites in Kaiaua were analyzed for their chemical properties. The hydrology, geophysical and geochemical data presented indicate that Kaiaua and Miranda are the same geothermal resource. Miranda is the upflow of the system where the fluid from the greywacke basement reaches the overlying Waitemata sediments. It then flows laterally in a north direction through the Waitemata sediments reaching Kaiaua area.