Detailed Geologic Mapping & Analysis

Geologic mapping is primarily done by GBCGE affiliates at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering.

Photo of GBCGE-NBMG geologist Dr. Jim Faulds points out features preserved on a fault plane surface near the Desert Queen geothermal system in Nevada.
GBCGE-NBMG geologist Dr. Jim Faulds points out features preserved on a fault plane surface near the Desert Queen geothermal system in Nevada.

Observation-based field data are used to produce maps, along with aerial photography and LiDAR data. 3D models are produced for select geothermal prospects. GBCGE affiliates also excavate trenches across faults to determine age of faulting.

Photo of NBMG geologist Rich Koehler measuring trench depth during excavation along the Petersen Mountain fault, NV.
NBMG geologist Dr. Rich Koehler measures trench depth during excavation along the Petersen Mountain fault, NV.
Photo of NBMG geologist Rich Koehler examining trench stratigraphy in an exposure along the Petersen Mountain fault, NV.
NBMG geologist Dr. Rich Koehler examining trench stratigraphy in an exposure along the Petersen Mountain fault, NV.

Two-Meter Temperature Surveys

GBCGE affiliates pioneered the two meter temperature measurement technique. The method involves pounding a steel rod into the ground, inserting a resistant temperature device into the rod, and then measuring the temperature after a short equilibration period. This method has successfully identified thermal anomalies in areas without other surface geothermal indicators (i.e., blind geothermal systems).

Photo of PhD student Kurt Kraal records a GPS location on a 2-meter temperature probe that is deployed on the playa in Granite Springs Valley, Nevada.
PhD student Kurt Kraal records a GPS location on a 2-meter temperature probe that is deployed on the playa in Granite Springs Valley, Nevada.

Remote Sensing

GBCGE affiliates use remote sensing techniques to study geothermal on a range of scales. Instruments are used in the field and lab to identify mineralogy based on spectral signatures. Remote sensing data are used to map geothermal indicator minerals over large areas, often identifying new areas of interest. Researchers also use spectroscopy to produce geothermal core logs showing mineralogy. We have a strong partnership with a local core-scanning company, TerraCore.

Two people testing an instrument outside.
Prof. Wendy Calvin and a student testing out a new portable field spectrometer at Perry Canyon near Pyramid Lake in Nevada.

GBCGE affiliates at the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering also use drone-mounted techniques to acquire thermal infra-red imagery and aeromagnetic data.

Photo of a drone and researcher
Chris Sladek preps the drone for its next flight to acquire more thermal infra-red imagery around the Fly Geyser geothermal area, near Gerlach, Nevada (December 2020).

Fluid Geochemistry & Reservoir Characterization

GBCGE researchers measure temperature and collect water and gas samples from geothermal springs and wells in the Great Basin region. Geochemical data are used to evaluate resource conceptual models, and to estimate reservoir temperatures using geothermometry relationships. Such efforts are critical in guiding exploration efforts.

Water sampling at a warm spring in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada.
Collecting a water sample from a warm spring in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada (June 2020).
Photo of a person measuring the temperature of a hot spring
GBCGE researcher Dr. Bridget Ayling measures the temperature of a hot spring in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada (November 2020).

2D/3D Seismic Data Surveys

GBCGE affiliates at the Nevada Seismological Laboratory use seismic data to locate faults and identify structures at geothermal prospects.

Geophysical Data Collection & Analysis

GBCGE affiliates use historical geophysical data, and collect new data in the field. Gravity and magnetics data are processed and used to create maps and models.

using a gravimeter
Paul Schwering uses a gravimeter during geophysics field camp near Pyramid Lake.

Geodetic Analysis of Crustal Strain

GBCGE affiliates at the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory use highly accurate GPS data from regional networks to study tectonic strain and geothermal activity across the Great Basin.

Photo of a GPS station installed in the Nevada desert
Photo of a GPS station installed in the Nevada desert. Shown is a close up view of a steel monument pin with Trimble Zephyr Geodetic GPS antenna attached. Antenna cable carries signals from the antenna to a GPS receiver that is in an adjacent Pelican box (not shown). Photo courtesy of NGL.