Definition: Moeck-Beardsmore Play Types

Moeck-Beardsmore Play Types

Moeck and Beardsmore define a Geothermal Play as a model of a geothermal system consisting of the combination of structural position and geologic setting that create a recoverable geothermal resource. Geologic factors considered include the Reservoir Rock Unit representing the primary reservoir for thermal fluids and/or geothermal heat; the Heat Charge System, consisting of the Heat Source and Heat Transport mechanism sustaining the system; a possible Regional Topseal or Caprock acting as a trap for heat and/or thermal fluids in the system that allow commercial exploitation (not present in all play types); the Timing of the above three factors that generates a recoverable geothermal resource; and the Play Fairway, which considers the expected geographic extent of the play.