HIG Technical Reports

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Proposal to conduct analysis of seismic activity on the Kilauea East Rift Zone
([s.n.], [n.d.]) Cooper, Patricia; Moore, Gregory
Sections: Geophysics and Budget.
Geothermal resources assessment program : geosciences proposal
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1992) Thomas, Donald M.
Sections: Geology Program and Budget
Geochemical precursors to seismic activity
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1988) Thomas, Donald M.
Studies of earthquake precursory phenomena during the last several decades have found that significant geophysical and geochemical changes can occur prior to intermediate and large earthquakes. Among the more intensely investigated geochemical phenomena have been: (1) changes in the concentrations of dissolved ions and gases in groundwaters and (2) variations in the concentrations of crustal and mantle volatiles in ground gases. The concentration changes have typically showed no consistent trend (either increasing or decreasing), and the spatial and temporal distribution of the observed anomalies have been highly variable. As a result, there is little agreement on the physical or chemical processes responsible for the observed anomalies. Mechanisms proposed to account for precursory groundwater anomalies include ultrasonic vibration, pressure sensitive solubility, pore volume collapse, fracture induced increases in reactive surfaces, and aquifer breaching/fluid mixing. Precursory changes in soil gas composition have been suggested to result from pore volume collapse, micro-fracture induced exposure of fresh reactive silicate surfaces, and breaching of buried gas-rich horizons. An analysis of the available field and laboratory data suggests that the aquifer breaching/fluid mixing (AB/FM) model can best account for many of the reported changes in temperature, dissolved ion and dissolved gas concentrations in groundwater. Ultrasonic vibration and pressure sensitive solubility models cannot reasonably account for the geochemical variations observed and, although the pore collapse model could explain some of the observed chemical changes in groundwater and ground gas, uncertainties remain regarding its ability to generate anomalies of the magnitude observed. Other geochemical anomalies, in particular those associated with hydrogen and radon, seem best accounted for by increases in reactive surface areas (IRSA model) that may accompany precursory deformation around the epicenter of an impending earthquake. Analysis of the probable response of these models to the earthquake preparation process, as well as to other environmental factors, suggests that geochemical monitoring programs can provide information that may be valuable in forecasting the probability of an earthquake; however, because of the complexity of the earthquake preparation process, the absolute prediction of seismic events using geochemical methods alone, does not presently appear to be feasible.
Correspondence between Donald Thomas, geologist at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and the Department of Health, State of Hawaii, regarding the geothermal well drilling operation and ground water contamination
(Department of Health, State of Hawaii, 1989) Thomas, Donald; Lewin, John C.
From the cover memorandum: "We are enclosing copies of recent correspondence with Donald Thomas of the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics regarding potential impacts of geothermal well drilling operations and expressing his views on the viability of monitoring to determine the impacts of the well on existing aquifers. Because of your interest in geothermal work, we believe that you will find the information highly interesting and useful in your deliberations on the subject."
A time-domain electromagnetic survey of the East Rift Zone, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
(Colorado School of Mines, 1974-10) Skokan, Catherine King
A time-domain electromagnetic survey was conducted over the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. The purpose of the survey was two-fold. First, the survey was intended to give greater insight into interpretation techniques of time-domain electromagnetic data. Secondly, a more complete picture of the geologic structure and hydrology of the Rift, with special emphasis on its geothermal potential, was to be gained. To interpret the time-domain electromagnetic data, first the maximum-received voltages were converted to apparent resistivities and mapped. Next, the received transients were matched with a catalog of asymptotic curves. Then, theoretical layered-earth curves were calculated and the transients were again matched. Finally, use of a least-squares-fit computer program gave a more exact interpretation. Although the asymptotic curves have been calculated for no more than a three-layer case, the theoretical matching technique may be expanded to a greater number of layers.
A preliminary geothermal evaluation of the Mokapu Peninsula on the island of Oahu, Hawaii
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii, 1982-06) Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Preliminary geological, geochemical, and geophysical field surveys have been conducted on Mokapu Peninsula on the island of Oahu in an effort to determine whether sufficient indications of geothermal potential exist within or adjacent to the peninsula to justify further, more detailed, exploratory efforts. An evaluation of existing geologic data as well as recently completed mapping on Mokapu indicate that the peninsula is located on the edge of or immediately adjacent to the inferred caldera of Koolau volcano. There are at least three post-erosional volcanic vents located on the peninsula and several more form small islands adjacent to it. The age of this post-erosional activity has been estimated to be at least 400,000 years before present. The post-erosional events, on the basis of mineralogical and geochemical evidence, are not considered to have been a renewal of the older (1.8 million years before present) Koolau activity, but rather were a series of independent, short-lived eruptive episodes. Geochemical investigations conducted within and around the Mokapu Peninsula included mercury-soil surveys and radon ground-gas surveys as well as a limited evaluation of groundwater chemistry. Numerous difficulties were encountered in the interpretation of the soil-gas geochemical data because of the high degree of cultural activity associated with the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe; however, one area in the southwest quadrant of the peninsula was tentatively identified as a low-order geochemical anomaly in which observed levels of mercury and radon were both significantly higher than background values. These anomalous values were tentatively attributed to increased soil permeability or possibly to slightly elevated subsurface temperatures. Groundwater sampling on Mokapu Peninsula was severely restricted because of the absence of wells within the study area and thus water chemistry analyses were limited to the Nuupia fish ponds. Samples obtained in the fish ponds were found to be seawater diluted with varying amounts of fresh groundwater. Although no thermal alteration of the water chemistry was evident for this area, an evaluation of existing groundwater chemical data for adjacent areas to the south and east of Mokapu suggests that some low-level thermal alteration may be present within shallow aquifers overlying the inferred Koolau caldera. Schlumberger resistivity soundings were completed in three locations on the peninsula: KVSI, in the northeast quadrant within the Ulupau crater, KVS2 in the northwest quadrant along the main jet runway, and KVS3 in the southeast along Mokapu Road. At KVSl a relatively high resistivity was encountered to a depth of approximately 20 meters below sea level, which was underlain by a basement resistivity of about 2 to 3 ohm-meters. At KVS2 and KVS3 similar resistivities of 2 to 3 ohm-meters were detected at much shallower depths (approximately equivalent to local sea level) below a thin, moderately resistive layer having an impedance ranging from 15 to 118 ohm-meters. Although the basement resistivity values are somewhat lower than would be expected for seawater-saturated basalt, and therefore could be interpreted as arising from a thermal anomaly, it is considered far more probable that the resistivities observed correspond to a low-resistivity seawater-saturated clay layer underlying the peninsula. In the context of the geothermal potential of the Mokapu Peninsula, the results of the present survey can be summarized as follows: 1. The geological data suggest that the post-erosional volcanism associated with the Mokapu Peninsula was of such a short duration and is of such great age that it is considered unlikely that significant remnant heat would be found beneath these structures. Although remnant heat may still be present within the magma chamber of Koolau volcano, there is presently no geologic evidence to substantiate its occurrence. 2. The geochemical data available indicate that one area within the peninsula may be slightly anomalous; however, no firm conclusions can be drawn concerning its relationship to a potential heat source. Limited groundwater geochemical data for the peninsula do not suggest the presence of thermally altered groundwater although some indication of groundwater anomalies have been identified several kilometers to the south of Mokapu Peninsula. 3. The results of geophysical surveys suggest that the peninsula is underlain by seawatersaturated clays at local ambient temperatures. The probability of there being an exploitable high-temperature resource beneath the Mokapu Peninsula is extremely low, and the probability for a low-temperature resource, at economically viable depths, is also very low.
Thermal process of the east rift of Kilauea from geophysical data
(Hawaii Geothermal Project, 1975-03-11) Furumoto, Augustine S.
This is a short note summarizing results of geophysical surveys over the East Rift of Kilauea. Details on data and methods of analysis are being compiled for a later more comprehensive report.
Geothermal resource assessment for Hawaii
(Geothermal Resources Council, 1979-09) Thomas, Donald M.
The preliminary phase of a geothermal resource assessment program for the State of Hawaii has been completed. Several locations on all the major islands of the Hawaiian chain have been identified as potentially having a geothermal reservoir within a few kilometers depth of the surface. Although geological and geophysical data were of some use in the regional surveys, groundwater chemical data was far more helpful in identifying more restricted areas in which to carry out site specific field surveys. Geochemical and geophysical surveys are presently underway in several of the areas identified as potentially having a geothermal resource.
Geothermal resources assessment in Hawaii : final report
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1985) Thomas, Donald M.
This document summarizes the available geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data for all prospective geothermal resource areas on all islands in Hawaii current to 1985.
Chloride/magnesium ratio of shallow groundwaters as a regional geothermal indicator in Hawaii
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1979) Cox, Malcolm E.; Thomas, Donald M.
Because of the complex geological and hydrological conditions and the virtual lack of thermal springs, regional geothermal investigations in Hawaii require the use of techniques substantially different from those conventionally applied in other geothermal environments. The large number of hydrological wells in the state provides an appreciable source of groundwater chemical data. However, largely because of the island environment, interpretation of much of these data as geothermal indicators becomes ambiguous. Initially, SiO2 and temperature of groundwaters were used to identify thermally anomalous zones, but on a regional basis it has been found that these criteria are not always successful. As a further criterion for assessment, the Cl/Mg ratio of the groundwater has been used. On a state-wide basis, this ratio has been successful in further "screening" the SiO2-temperature selected sites, and in defining more specific areas which warrant further investigation. Temperature, SiO2 and Cl/Mg values for nearly 400 groundwater samples are included.
Temperature profiles in wells on the island of Hawaii
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1979) Epp, David; Halunen, A John, Jr.
We report temperature versus depth for 21 wells on the Island of Hawaii. The highest temperatures were measured in wells on Kilauea's east rift zone in the Puna area. Temperatures decrease rapidly north and south of the rift zone. Above-average temperatures were observed in two wells in the south Kohala area.
Potential geothermal resources in Hawaii : a preliminary regional survey
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1979) Thomas, Donald M.; Cox, Malcolm E.; Erlandson, Dale; Kajiwara, Leslie M.
A regional geothermal resource assessment has been conducted for the major islands in the Hawaiian chain. The assessment was made through the compilation and evaluation of the readily accessible geological, geochemical, and geophysical data for the Hawaiian Archipelago that have been acquired during the last two decades. The geologic criteria used in the identification of possible geothermal reservoirs were age and location of most recent volcanism on the island and the geologic structure of each island. The geochemical anomalies used as traces for geothermally altered groundwater were elevated silica concentrations and elevated chloride/magnesium ion ratios. Geophysical data used to identify subsurface structure with possible geothermal potential were aeromagnetic anomalies, gravity anomalies, and higher-than-normal well and basal spring discharge temperatures. Geophysical and geochemical anomalies that may be the result of subsurface thermal effects have been identified on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Oahu.
Analysis of geophysical logs from the Hawaii Geothermal Project well
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1978) Rudman, Albert J.
A 6445-foot test well was completed on April 27, 1976 in the Puna Area of Hawaii as part of an extensive project to investigate a geothermal reservoir for energy production. Because bottom hole temperatures exceeded 300°C, it was possible to run geophysical logs in the upper 3500 feet only. Study of conventional and induction resistivity, self potential, neutron, gamma ray, caliper, temperature, temperature differential and drilling rate logs show that porosity, permeability and fluid flow are qualitatively identified on the logs. Lithologic logs of sample cuttings taken at five- to ten-foot intervals (together with cores taken at approximately 700-foot intervals) substantiate preliminary findings of the porous and permeable zones. Although the logs investigated are above many of the zones of production, new information was obtained about the in-situ nature of permeability in Hawaiian basalts.
Seismic studies on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii Island
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1978) Suyenaga, W.; Broyles, M.; Furumoto, Augustine S.; Norris, R.; Mattice, Mark D.
This volume contains reports on seismological studies done in conjunction with other geophysical and geochemical studies of the Hawaii Geothermal Project. The studies were conducted on the easternmost portion of the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano, near the eventual site of the initial well, HGP-A, drilled by the Hawaii Geothermal Project. The microearthquake survey by Suyenaga and Furumoto found, among other patterns of seismicity, a small cluster of events at 1-to 3-km depth in the immediate vicinity of HGP-A. Another microearthquake survey conducted by Mattice and Furumoto over a high electrical conductivity anomaly located west of HGP-A found it to be probably more seismically active than the area around the well site. Norris and Furumoto contoured noise levels but found no local amplification at any frequency associated with the geothermal reservoir. However, noise may be associated with magmatic activity. The crustal structure of the area was studied with two sets of seismic refraction profiles reported by Suyenaga and by Broyles. The surface layer has a low but highly variable velocity (0.8 to 1.6 km/sec) and consists of interlayered aa and pahoehoe flows with large voids. A jump in velocity to 2.5 to 3.0 km/sec occurs near sea level and is attributed to saturation of water. A layer of velocity about 5.0 km/sec lies between the 3.0-km/sec and a 7.0-km/sec layer. The latter is interpreted as the dike complex and locally is found as shallow as 2 to 2.5 km. Furumoto combines microearthquake, source mechanism, gravity and thermal data into an interpretation of the process of geothermal reservoir formation in the East Rift Zone.
Hydrology and geochemistry of a Hawaiian geothermal system : HGP-A
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1978) Kroopnick, Peter M.; Buddemeier, Robert W.; Thomas, Donald M.; Lau, L. Stephen; Bills, David
A water quality monitoring program of the Hawaii Geothermal Project well A (HGP-A) was conducted for downhole depth samples and continuous discharge samples in 1976 to 1977. The well water was slightly saline (about 5-10 percent ocean water) and nearly depleted of magnesium, but contained high concentrations of silica and sulfide. The chemical composition of the well water did not vary much with depth even though the sampling reached the well bottom [approximately 1768 m (5800 feet) below sea level]. The well fluid temperature was higher than that of any Hawaii ground water; a maximum of 358°C (676°F) was recorded at the bottom of the well. The water was low in tritium but unexpectedly high in carbon-14 when compared with the surrounding ground water [sampled as close as ~1609 km (1 mile) away]. Mass balance calculations involving carbon and its isotopes are consistent with a model proposing that 13 percent of recharge is from sea water. During continuous flow tests, the total well yield was 83,400 lb of steam per hour, equivalent to ~150 gpm with 70 percent steam and the rest water. For most constituents measured, there was a one to three day buildup period before approach to a steady state concentration. Water quality data, coupled with other measurements, indicate that the well is either poorly developed or located in a formation of low transmissivity. The moderately high rainfall and high surficial permeability allow substantial rain water infiltration. Actual subsurface water circulation is open to interpretation because of our uncertainty about geologic formations. Geophysical evidence suggests that deep dikes or intrusive bodies may be located on the ocean side of the well; such barriers would retard the encroachment of sea water into the well.
Geoelectric studies on the East Rift, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii island
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1977-12) Keller, George V.; Skonan, Catherine King; Skonan, Jacob Jerome; Daniels, J.; Kauahikaua, James P.; Klein, Douglas P.; Zablocki, Charles J.
Three geophysical research organizations, working together under the auspices of the Hawaii Geothermal Project, have used several electrical and electromagnetic exploration techniques on Kilauea volcano, Hawaii to assess its geothermal resources. This volume contains four papers detailing their methods and conclusions. Keller et al. of the Colorado School of Mines used the dipole mapping and time-domain EM sounding techniques to define low resistivity areas around the summit and flanks of Kilauea. Kauahikaua and Klein of the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics then detailed the East Rift with independent, two-loop induction and time-domain EM soundings. Finally, Zablocki of the U. S. Geological Survey delineated four anomalous areas on the East Rift with an extensive self-potential survey; one of these areas was chosen as the site of a test hole.
Geoelectric-geothermal exploration on Hawaii Island : preliminary results
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1975) Klein, Douglas P.; Kauahikaua, James P.
Geoelectric reconnaissance surveys were performed on Hawaii Island to locate areas of low resistivity that might have the potential for commercial geothermal development. The lower northeast end of the Kilauea East Rift Zone has low resistivities (less than 10 ohm-m) that indicate anomalous geothermal conditions. Preliminary results of both AC and DC resistivity surveys indicate that the most promising zone of high temperature waters is at depths of 500 to 1500 meters beneath the 1955 eruptive vents in this region. The temperature in this zone may be as great as 200 °C. Further analysis is continuing on the data and additional data are being gathered to attempt to outline the probable extent of the material with low resistivity.
Preliminary studies for geothermal exploration in Hawaii, 1973-1975
(Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1977) Furumoto, Augustine S.; MacDonald, Gordon A.; Druecker, Michael; Fan, Pow-Foong
This first volume of the series on geothermal exploration in Hawaii has attempted to gather information and data relevant to geothermal resources, which were available prior to the commencement of the exploration program. It is felt that the assembly under one cover of the vast, scattered information will be of service to students of Hawaiian volcanoes and in particular to students of Hawaiian geothermal resources. A narrative account of the exploration program puts into perspective the various stages of the exploration program from 1973 to 1975. The value of this narrative account lies in that it shows how the conclusion was reached to concentrate the exploration program on the east rift of Kilauea volcano as that rift zone showed the most promise of all the volcanic centers and rift zones. The narrative ends at the selection of a drilling site. The geology and hydrology of the east rift has been summarized to include data existing before the exploration program and some of the early results of the field surveys. A literature survey of Kilauea volcano attempted to cover the information available on the volcano. The survey includes recent information published by investigators not associated with the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics. A literature survey of the geothermal potential of the volcanoes on the island of Oahu has already been published elsewhere. A short summary and reference is included in the volume.
Change in Bathymetric Configuration, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu 1882-1969
(Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics, 1970-10) Roy, Kenneth J.

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