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Three-Dimensional Geologic Map of the Southeastern Gabbs Valley Geothermal Area, Nevada

Scientific Investigations Map 3498
By: , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3498

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Abstract

This three-dimensional (3D) geologic map displays the subsurface geology in the upper ~4 kilometers of the Earth’s crust in the southeastern Gabbs Valley geothermal area of west-central Nevada. The 3D map was constructed by integrating the results from detailed geologic mapping, 3D gravity inversion modeling, and potential-field-geophysical studies. This effort was undertaken as part of the Nevada Play Fairway Project, a regional effort to characterize new geothermal resources in the United States. Local data collection and analysis in southeastern Gabbs Valley, Nevada, including the construction of this 3D map, led to the drilling of six temperature gradient wells and identification of previously unknown hydrothermal fluids at 150 meters depth. The measured temperatures, which are as high as 124.9 degrees Celsius, indicate that the southeastern Gabbs Valley hydrothermal system has temperatures that are comparable to geothermal fields that have been developed for electricity generation in the region. We describe the geologic units and structures displayed by the map and discuss the methods used to integrate the geologic and geophysical information into the 3D geologic interpretation. The accompanying map provides horizontal and vertical section views and oblique perspective views from several angles. The digital data for elements of the map, the individual 3D fault surfaces, and stratigraphic surfaces are available from Siler (2022). The accompanying map sheet and video displaying the 3D map are available at https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3498.

Suggested Citation

Siler, D.L., Witter, J.B., Craig, J.W., Earney, T.E., Schermerhorn, W.D., Fournier, D., Faulds, J.E., Glen, J.M.G., and Peacock, J.R., 2023, Three-dimensional geologic map the southeastern Gabbs Valley geothermal area, Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3498, 23 p., 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3498.

ISSN: 2329-132X (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Introduction
  • Geologic Setting
  • Data
  • 3D Geologic Mapping Methods
  • 3D Gravity Inversion Modeling
  • Comparison of the Density Inversion Models
  • Structure of the 3D Geologic Map
  • Stratigraphy of the 3D Geologic Map
  • Potential Application
  • Acknowledgments
  • Description of Map Units
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Three-dimensional geologic map the southeastern Gabbs Valley geothermal area, Nevada
Series title Scientific Investigations Map
Series number 3498
DOI 10.3133/sim3498
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description Pamphlet: v, 23 p.; 1 Sheet: 46.00 × 39.00 inches; Video
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Gabbs Valley geothermal area
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details