Core Analysis At Coso Geothermal Area (1980)

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

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Exploration Activity: Core Analysis At Coso Geothermal Area (1980)

Exploration Activity Details
Location	Coso Geothermal Area
Exploration Technique	Core Analysis
Activity Date	1980
Usefulness	not indicated
DOE-funding	Unknown

Exploration Basis

Determine the heat transfer mechanism

Notes

In an investigation of the thermal regime of this Basin and Range geothermal area, temperature measurements were made in 25 shallow and 1 intermediate depth borehole. Thermal conductivity measurements were made on 312 samples from cores and drill cuttings. The actual process by which heat is transferred is rather complex; however, the heat flow determinations can be divided into two groups. The first group, less than 4.0 HFU, are indicative of regions with primarily conductive regimes, although deep-seated mass transfer is implied. The second group, greater than 4.0 HFU, are characteristics of regions with considerable convective heat transfer in the shallow subsurface.

References

• Combs, J.   (10 May 1980) Heat flow in the Coso geothermal area, Inyo County, California