Results from the European I-GET Projet on Integrated Geophysical Exploration Methods

Abstract

The project I-GET was aimed at developing an innovative geothermal exploration approach based on advanced geophysical methods. The objective was to improve the detection, prior to drilling, of fluid bearing zones in naturally and/or artificially fractured geothermal reservoirs. This approach was tested in four European geothermal systems with different geological and thermodynamic reservoir characteristics: two high enthalpy (metamorphic and volcanic rocks), and two low enthalpy geothermal system in sedimentary rocks.
Petrophysical and geomechanical properties of the investigated rocks have been defined by laboratory measurements. With respect to the high enthalpy sites elastic and electric rock properties have been determined at the steam/liquid transition of the pore fillings. Results of these measurements are presented in a separate presentation.
Seismic and magnetotelluric measurements were acquired at the test sites, and new acquisition and processing techniques have been developed to solve problems related to the particular target such as high temperatures, anisotropy, phase condition, etc. The static and dynamic three-dimensional models of geothermal reservoirs have been reconstructed by means of all the data acquired. Results of the field measurements and of the integrated modelling are shown in separate, more detailed presentations.