Geothermal sweetspots identified in a volcanic lake integrating bathymetry and fluid chemistry

  • Maren Brehme

Press/Media: Public Engagement

Description

We investigate fluid pathways beneath volcanic lakes using bathymetry and geochemical measurements to locate best-possible drilling sites. Highly permeable structures, such as faults, provide fluid channels that are the most suitable access points to the geothermal resource. Accurate mapping of these structures therefore guides the successful targeting of wells. Lakes, rivers or ocean, can hide surface footprints of these permeable structures, such as in our case beneath Lake Linau. High-resolution bathymetry identifies linear and conical discontinuities, which are linked to offshore tectonic structures as confirmed by surrounding outcrops and hot springs. Geochemical measurements document inflow of hot saline acidic water into the lake verifying bathymetry-located highly permeable structures. Integrating onshore well data, our bathymetry and chemical results locates an ideal drilling site into the geothermal reservoir beneath the western shore line of Lake Linau.

Period12 Nov 2019 → 20 Nov 2019

Media coverage

5

Media coverage

  • TitleTech Breakthrough Could Spark A Geothermal Energy Boom
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletNasdaq
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size1 pag.
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    Date20/11/19
    DescriptionGeothermal energy is often billed as one of “the cleanest energy sources” --and with good reason. It’s carbon-free, renewable, and efficient. Even those stoic anti-hyperbolists over at the United States Department of Energy sing its praises, saying, “this vital, clean energy resource supplies renewable power around the clock and emits little or no greenhouse gases -- all while requiring a small environmental footprint to develop.
    Producer/AuthorHaley Zaremba
    URLhttps://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tech-breakthrough-could-spark-a-geothermal-energy-boom-2019-11-20
    PersonsMaren Brehme
  • TitleNew exploration method to localise potential drilling sites for geothermal energy development
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletThink Geoenergy
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size1 pag.
    Country/TerritoryIceland
    Date14/11/19
    DescriptionResearchers by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam introduce a new method for exploration and the localization of interesting potential drilling sites that are covered by water.
    Producer/AuthorAlexander Richter
    URLwww.thinkgeoenergy.com/new-exploration-method-to-localise-potential-drilling-sites-for-geothermal-energy-development/
    PersonsMaren Brehme
  • TitleGeothermal drilling research reveals new method for locating potential drill sites
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletHydrogen Fuel News
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size1 pag.
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    Date13/11/19
    DescriptionMapping geological structures covered by water is now a possibility after a new geothermal drilling research discovery was made by an international team of researchers. This new method for locating possible drilling sites under water is an impressive step forward and could be revolutionary for the development of the geothermal renewable energy industry.
    Producer/AuthorAlicia Moore
    URLwww.hydrogenfuelnews.com/geothermal-drilling-research-reveals-new-method-for-locating-potential-drill-sites/8538895/
    PersonsMaren Brehme
  • TitleNew exploration method for geothermal energy
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletScienceDaily, Science news,
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size1 pag.
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    Date12/11/19
    DescriptionWhere to drill? This is the basic question in the exploration of underground energy resources, such as geothermal energy. Water in rocks flows along permeable pathways, which are the main target for geothermal drilling. Borehole, core and micro-earthquake data show that the pathways are spatially connected, permeable structures, such as fractures or faults in the rock. However, the geothermal potential of these structures cannot be fully exploited with the techniques available to date.
    Producer/AuthorRedactie
    URLhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191112114007.htm
    PersonsMaren Brehme
  • TitleNew exploration method for geothermal energy
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletEurekaAlert
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/Size1 pag.
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    Date12/11/19
    DescriptionInternational research team presents combination of mapping of underwater structures and geochemical measurements
    Producer/AuthorRedactie
    URLhttps://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-11/ggph-nem111219.php
    PersonsMaren Brehme