Multicomponent Geophysical Analysis M Drilling Target Definition in an Extended Terrane

Abstract

In the process of selecting a site for a deep test hole, the Geothermal Program Office used a hroad range of geophysical tools to data recovery for funds expended. The area, known as the Indian Wells Valley, is a poorly-explored region of suspected significant crustal extension located approximately 50 km south of the Coso Geothermal development area in eastern California, U.S.A. Recent studies in the area have produced encouraging prospects of a resource in the valley itself which is filled with up to 2.5 km of sedimentary rocks thereby masking the geothermal signature. One hundred twenty kilometers of reflection seismic data were interpreted along with an analysis of seismicity and gravity data in an effort to select a location for a deep test well. Geophysical data indicate that the crust in this area is approximately 15% thinner than other Basin Range locations.