Shallow EGS Resource Potential Maps of the Cascades

Abstract

New thermal modeling of the greater Cascade Range area developed by the SMU Geothermal Laboratory improved grid spacing to a 1 km scale for temperature-at-depth maps between the 1 to 4 km depth ranges. The model includes parameters for terrain corrected heat flow, thermal conductivity, gradient, heat production, diffusivity, topography, surface temperature, and water table. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory¡¯s Geothermal Program used the temperature maps to better estimate the shallow enhanced geothermal system resource potential of the area. Locations that met the enhanced geothermal system resource criteria of ¡Ý150¡ãC at less than 4 km were designated as potential exploration sites. Other project outcomes include improved understanding of the ability for water to either conceal or increase the geothermal resource signature, a review of temperature logs in Oregon, and updates to the National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) heat flow and temperature data.