Imaging Structure With Fluid Fluxes At The Bradys Geothermal Field With Satellite Interferometric Radar (Insar)- New Insights Into Reservoir Extent And Structural Controls

Abstract: We present a new example of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar's (InSAR) remarkable utility for defining an operating geothermal reservoir's lateral extent and hydrologically active fracture systems. InSAR reveals millimeter-level surface change due to volume change in the reservoir and overlying aquifer systems caused by fluid pressure reduction and to a lesser extent temperature decrease. Fluid reinjection is revealed in the reverse process as surface inflation. The relevant characteristics and limitations of the InSAR method are discussed. We conclude that when integrated with other geophysical observations and reservoir production data, In- SAR analysis will be able to guide new exploration and aid field management.

Author(s): Gary Oppliger, Mark Coolbaugh, William Foxall

Published: GRC, 2004

Document Number: Unavailable

DOI: Unavailable