The State of California’s GeoSteam Database and Well Finder On-line Mapping System

Abstract

The California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources is the leader in regulating the State’s 962 geothermal production wells, and 278 geothermal injection wells. In 2012, California produced 12,733 Gigawatt hours or 6.4% of the in-state electrical generation from geothermal resources. California also uses geothermal resources for agriculture, aquaculture, district and domestic heating, and balneology. The GeoSteam database and the Well Finder on-line mapping system are internet-based methods by which the public can gain access to geothermal well data from the State of California. To use these tools, start from the California Department of Conservation’s internet home page. Well location data are presented by Well Finder in geo-referenced association with digital orthophoto quadrangle images. By clicking on an individual well symbol, a user can view well logs, well history, and production/injection data. A brief tutorial for using the databases is presented, with a focus on examples from The Geysers Geothermal field and updates from the Calistoga Geothermal field. Recently, sub-meter accuracy GPS surveys were performed, and a cache of old temperature logs were posted for the Calistoga field. These databases are ready for the scientific community to utilize in order to better understand and further the wise development of the geothermal resources of the State.