A Case Study of the Newcastle Geothermal System, Iron County, Utah

A Case Study of the Newcastle Geothermal System, Iron County, Utah
Author: Robert E. Blackett
Publisher:
Total Pages: 44
Release: 1992
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

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Past exploration in low- and moderate-temperature systems of the Great Basin shows that the relatively small area associated with fluid upflow and elevated temperatures is often difficult to detect by drilling widely spaced temperature-gradient holes or by other methods. By studying the Newcastle geothermal system, we hoped to develop a basic understanding of the concealed hydrothemlal system as a tool for assessing other geothermal areas of the Great Basin. The emphasis of our work centered on determining (1) the distribution of subsurface heat and the movement of thermal fluid, (2) the location and geometry of bedrock structures that might control fluid movements, (3) the chemical character of the geothermal water, and (4) the geometry of the bedrock beneath the Escalante Desert. Field studies included: (1) drilling and monitoring temperatures in shallow themlal-gradient boreholes, (2) mapping geologic units and performing structural studies in the adjacent mountains, (3) conducting detailed gravity surveys, (4) conducting electrical resistivity and self-potential (SP) surveys, (5) collecting water samples for detennining major ions and light stable isotope analyses, and (6) mapping Quaternary units.

The Newcastle Geothermal System, Iron County, Utah

The Newcastle Geothermal System, Iron County, Utah
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 84
Release: 1990
Genre:
ISBN:

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Geological, geophysical and geochemical studies contributed to conceptual hydrologic model of the blind'' (no surface expression), moderate-temperature (greater than 130°C) Newcastle geothermal system, located in the Basin and Range-Colorado Plateau transition zone of southwestern Utah. Temperature gradient measurements define a thermal anomaly centered near the surface trace of the range-bounding Antelope Range fault with and elongate dissipative plume extending north into the adjacent Escalante Valley. Spontaneous potential and resistivity surveys sharply define the geometry of the dominant upflow zone (not yet explored), indicating that most of the thermal fluid issues form a short segment along the Antelope Range fault and discharges into a gently-dipping aquifer. Production wells show that this aquifer lies at a depth between 85 and 95 meter. Electrical surveys also show that some leakage of thermal fluid occurs over a 1.5 km (minimum) interval along the trace of the Antelope Range fault. Major element, oxygen and hydrogen isotopic analyses of water samples indicate that the thermal fluid is a mixture of meteoric water derived from recharge areas in the Pine Valley Mountains and cold, shallow groundwater. A northwest-southeast trending system of faults, encompassing a zone of increased fracture permeability, collects meteoric water from the recharge area, allows circulation to a depth of 3 to 5 kilometers, and intersects the northeast-striking Antelope Range fault. We postulate that mineral precipitates form a seal along the Antelope Range fault, preventing the discharge of thermal fluids into basin-fill sediments at depth, and allowing heated fluid to approach the surface. Eventually, continued mineral deposition could result in the development of hot springs at the ground surface.

The Newcastle Geothermal System, Iron County, Utah

The Newcastle Geothermal System, Iron County, Utah
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 95
Release: 1990
Genre:
ISBN:

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This appendix contains raw data used in the fault slip analysis. Data was collected from four sites, sites A through D. Minor fault slip measurements are listed for each site, and each row of data is one measurement. The index number is an arbitrary sequential number. Strike is the strike of the fault plane, measured in the northern hemisphere. Dip is the dip of the fault plane, which has two letters attached to the end showing the quadrant of the dip direction. Rake is the rake of the slickenside in the plane of the fault, which has two letters attached to the end showing the quadrant of the plunge direction of the rake. Sense is the sense of slip of the fault: N = normal (rake> 45°), R = reverse (rake> 45°), D = dextral (rake

The Origin and Extent of Earth Fissures in Escalante Valley, Southern Escalante Desert, Iron County, Utah

The Origin and Extent of Earth Fissures in Escalante Valley, Southern Escalante Desert, Iron County, Utah
Author: William R. Lund
Publisher: Utah Geological Survey
Total Pages: 34
Release: 2005-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1557917302

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This CD contains a 30-page report and 37-photo appendix of an investigation by the Utah Geological Survey of five recently discovered earth fissures in southwestern Utah. The earth fissues, which likely resulted from aquifer compaction due to ground-water withdrawal, were revealed after floodwater infiltrated into and enlarged the fissures during January 2005. This study discusses the geology and hydrology of the Escalante Valley where the fissures formed, includes maps of the fissure traces, discusses the most probable cause of fissure formation, and presents recommendations for future study. 30 pages + 37 page appendix

Geothermal Energy R&D Program

Geothermal Energy R&D Program
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 152
Release: 1992
Genre: Geothermal engineering
ISBN:

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Radon-hazard Potential of Beaver Basin Area, Beaver County, Utah

Radon-hazard Potential of Beaver Basin Area, Beaver County, Utah
Author: Charles E. Bishop
Publisher: Utah Geological Survey
Total Pages: 43
Release: 1998-01-20
Genre: Geology, Structural
ISBN: 1557916160

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Indoor-radon levels in the Beaver basin of southwestern Utah are the highest recorded to date in Utah. Measured indoor-radon concentrations range from 17.5 to 495pCi/L. These levels are well above those considered a health risk by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both geologic (uranium content of soil, depth to ground water, soil permeability) and non-geologic (weather, home construction, life-style) factors affect indoor-radon levels. In this study, geologic factors are quantified and used to produce a radon-hazard-potential map of the Beaver basin area. The map helps prioritize radon testing and evaluation and the need for radon-resistant construction.