Comparison of Mechanisms Proposed for Induced Seismicity at the Geysers Geothermal Field (Northern California)
- Location
- The Geysers, California
- Conference
- New Zealand Geothermal Workshop
- Year
- 1981
- Session
- Scientific/Geochemistry
- Language
- English
Full text
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Abstract
Three mechanisms are capable of explaining the induced seismicity at The Geysers field. Cooling and contraction may weaken the reservoir rock making it more susceptible to rupture. Conversely, the reservoir's location in a 100-km wide region undergoing predominantly aseismic creep, suggests that strengthening of the reservoir rock may cause an increase in the component of seismic slip. This phenomena could be a result of a large pore pressure decline, or an increase in the coefficient of friction on the sliding fracture surfaces.
Copyright 1981, University of Auckland. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.