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The Coso geothermal area: A laboratory for advanced MEQ studies for geothermal monitoring

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Abstract

The permanent 16-station network of three-component digital seismometers at the Coso geothermal area, California, supplemented by 14 temporary instruments deployed in connection with the DOE Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Project, provides high-quality microearthquake (MEQ) recordings that are well suited to monitoring a producing geothermal area. We are currently using these data to investigate structure and active processes within the geothermal reservoir by applying three advanced methods: a) high-precision MEQ hypocenter location; b) time-dependent tomography; c) complete (moment tensor) MEQ source mechanism determination. Preliminary results to date resolve seismogenic structures in the producing field more clearly than is possible with conventional earthquake-location techniques. A shallow part of the producing field shows clear changes in the ratio of the seismic wave speeds, Vp/Vs, between 1996 and 2002, which are probably related to physical changes in the reservoir caused by fluid extraction.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title The Coso geothermal area: A laboratory for advanced MEQ studies for geothermal monitoring
Volume 28
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher Geothermal Resources Council
Description 3 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
First page 403
Last page 405
Conference Title Geothermal Energy: The Reliable Renewable - Geothermal Resources Council 2004 Annual Meeting, GRC
Conference Location Indian Wells, California, United States
Conference Date August 29-September 1, 2004
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Coso Geothermal Area, Coso Volcanic Field
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