Three-dimensional seismic image of a geothermal reservoir: The Geysers, California
Geophysical Research Letters
By: B.R. Julian, A. Ross, G.R. Foulger, and J.R. Evans
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Three-dimensional seismic travel-time tomography of The Geysers geothermal area, in the coast ranges of northern California, shows a strong (−9%) anomaly in VP/VS, the ratio of the compressional and shear wave speeds, that is not evident in VP alone and corresponds closely to the most intensively exploited part of the geothermal reservoir. This anomaly probably indicates low pore pressure and relatively dry conditions, caused partly by boiling of pore water as steam is extracted. Steam pressure decreases over the last decade have probably caused seismologically measurable changes in wave speeds. Tomographic measurement of VP/VS is a promising technique both for identifying geothermal resources and for monitoring them during exploitation.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Three-dimensional seismic image of a geothermal reservoir: The Geysers, California |
| Series title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| DOI | 10.1029/95GL03321 |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Year Published | 1996 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Contributing office(s) | Volcano Hazards Program |
| Description | 4 p. |
| First page | 685 |
| Last page | 688 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |