Geothermal exploration : an evaluation of the microseismic groundnoise method

Date
1974-12
Authors
Skokan, Jacob Jerome
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Colorado School of Mines
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Abstract
Geothermal energy can probably make significant contributions to our rapidly increasing energy requirements. Because of this, major exploration programs are underway in many countries at the present time. A variety of geological and geophysical methods has been used to study known geothermal systems and to explore new areas for this valuable resource. Some of these methods have worked better than others, and some have not worked at all. The exploration significance of one of these methods, microseismic groundnoise studies, has been questioned. An attempt to resolve this question and to test the original geothermal-groundnoise hypothesis, that is: geothermal reservoirs are dynamic systems and can be located by measuring ground motion above them, resulted in extensive groundnoise surveys in two areas which appear to have great geothermal potential. These surveys were carried out at Kilauea Volcano, and the East Rift of Kilauea Volcano, on the Island of Hawaii. These areas were selected because of their relatively homogeneous geologic environment, for other surveys indicate that "lithologic noise" tends to be a problem when evaluating groundnoise data. Even in this relatively ideal environment, the surveys tend to indicate changes in the acoustic properties of rocks, rather than changes in groundno1se activity resulting from dynamic geothermal reservoirs.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Faculty and the Board of Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysical Engineering.
Keywords
geothermal exploration, Puna, Kilauea, Hawaii, Hawaii Island, Big Island, Seismology--Hawaii--Hawaii Island, Seismology--Research--Hawaii--Kilauea Volcano, Seismology--Hawaii--Kilauea Volcano, Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
Citation
Skokan JJ. 1974. Geothermal exploration: An evaluation of the microseismic groundnoise method. Golden (CO): Colorado School of Mines.
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122 pages
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