Detecting hidden sedimentary geothermal systems in the Upper Colorado River Basin

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Abstract

Geothermal resources exist in sedimentary rock where circulation of water for efficient extraction or storage of heat is possible. Except in rare instances where hot water is expressed at the land surface, sedimentary geothermal resources are hidden, so the identification of these systems is optimally accomplished using predictive subsurface modeling. An integrated approach using detailed paleogeographic interpretations, subsurface geologic mapping, and numerical modeling has produced regional geologic and temperature models for the Upper Colorado River Basin, a large watershed in central North America that contains many sedimentary basins. These models identify areas of hidden sedimentary geothermal resource potential in low temperature (<90°C), moderate temperature (90–150°C), and high temperature (>150°C) fairways across the study area. These models incorporate maps of key horizons in outcrop and the subsurface to create a robust structural framework that can be used to target favorable geology for natural or engineered permeability. This framework is populated with lithologies derived from detailed palaeogeographical maps and over 40,000 bottom hole temperature (BHT) values were used to create a calibrated three-dimensional (3D) temperature model across the region. The resulting maps serve as a regional sedimentary geothermal play fairway screening tool for evaluating different grades of sedimentary geothermal resources and for identifying areas of interest where more detailed, prospect-scale studies can be undertaken.

Suggested Citation

Gardner, R., Birdwell, J.E., Sweetkind, D., Sullivan, P., Eaton, M., Petermann, H., Clement, A., Hagadorn, J., Woda, J., 2025, Detecting hidden sedimentary geothermal systems in the Upper Colorado River Basin, in Using the Earth to save the Earth, v. 49, p. 1512-1525.

Study Area

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Detecting hidden sedimentary geothermal systems in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Volume 49
Publication Date December 01, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Geothermal Resources Council
Contributing office(s) Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Description 14 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Using the Earth to save the Earth
First page 1512
Last page 1525
Country United States
State Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
Other Geospatial Upper Colorado River Basin
Additional publication details