Conceptual Model At Dixie Valley Geothermal Area (Waibel, 1987)

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

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Exploration Activity: Conceptual Model At Dixie Valley Geothermal Area (Waibel, 1987)

Exploration Activity Details
Location	Dixie Valley Geothermal Area
Exploration Technique	Conceptual Model
Activity Date	1987 - 1987
Usefulness	useful
DOE-funding	Unknown

Exploration Basis

Conceptual models are the basis of any exploration or development activities. Many Conceptual models of Dixie Valley have been made and they have been evolving and becoming more complex over the years.

Notes

This model focused on reservoir permeability and its relation to stress. The concept was that an area of high permeability was the result of interactions from extensional stresses associated with localized rhombograbens. The existence of open fractures is dependent on rock type as well. Brittle rock that will crack rather than deform will become more permeable when stressed, therefore permeability is more likely to be found in brittle igneous rock compared to soft clay rich sediments.

References

• A. F. Waibel (1987) An overview of the geology and secondary mineralogy of the high temperature geothermal system in Dixie Valley, Nevada

• Dick Benoit (1999) Conceptual Models of the Dixie Valley, Nevada Geothermal Field