Geoscientific-Methods in Geothermal Exploration

One of the major activities of the GEOTHERM programme is the application of geoscientific methods for the exploration of geothermal sites. Regional geological and vulcanological characteristics and geochemical analyses are needed in the early stage of site development (regional reconnaissance). Thereafter, detailed geophysical methods for surface exploration are applied. In the following two overview articles on the application of geochemical and geophysical techniques are available for download. Depending on the characteristics of the geothermal site different geoscientific methods are used.

The first paper on “Geochemical Techniques for the Exploration and Exploitation of Geothermal Energy” is by Luigi Marini, Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse, Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy.

The text includes information on the following geochemical methods:

1. Introduction
2. The origin and evolution of volcanic and geothermal fluids: a review
3. Sampling and analysis of geothermal fluids
4. Types of waters generally present in high-enthalpy geothermal areas
5. The chemical classification of waters
6. Mixing and boiling
7. Hydrothermal alteration minerals in high-temperature geothermal systems
8. Geothermometric methods for geothermal waters
9. Geothermal gases
10. The δD and δ¹⁸O values of geothermal fluids
11. How much water and heat can be extracted from a geothermal system?

The second text on “Geophysical Methods in Geothermal Exploration” was authored by Adele Manzella, Italian National Research Council, International Institute for Geothermal Research, Pisa, Italy.

The text includes information on the following geophysical methods:

1. Introduction
2. Subsurface temperature and thermal gradient surveys
3. Gravity methods
4. Magnetic methods
5. Seismic methods
6. Geophysical well logging

7. Electrical methods