Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 20
Discovering hidden geothermal signatures using non-negative matrix factorization with customized k-means clustering
Discovery of hidden geothermal resources is challenging. It requires the mining of large datasets with diverse data attributes representing subsurface hydrogeological and geothermal conditions. The commonly used play fairway analysis approach typically incorporates subject-matter expertise to analyze regional data to estimate geothermal characteristics and favorability. We demonstrate an alternati
Advancing geophysical techniques to image a stratigraphic hydrothermal resource
Sedimentary-hosted geothermal energy systems are permeable structural, structural-stratigraphic, and/or stratigraphic horizons with sufficient temperature for direct use and/or electricity generation. Sedimentary-hosted (i.e., stratigraphic) geothermal reservoirs may be present in multiple locations across the central and eastern Great Basin of the USA, thereby constituting a potentially large bas
Modeling subsurface performance of a geothermal reservoir using machine learning
Geothermal power plants typically show decreasing heat and power production rates over time. Mitigation strategies include optimizing the management of existing wells—increasing or decreasing the fluid flow rates across the wells—and drilling new wells at appropriate locations. The latter is expensive, time-consuming, and subject to many engineering constraints, but the former is a viable mechanis
Machine learning to identify geologic factors associated with production in geothermal fields: A case-study using 3D geologic data, Brady geothermal field, Nevada
In this paper, we present an analysis using unsupervised machine learning (ML) to identify the key geologic factors that contribute to the geothermal production in Brady geothermal field. Brady is a hydrothermal system in northwestern Nevada that supports both electricity production and direct use of hydrothermal fluids. Transmissive fluid-flow pathways are relatively rare in the subsurface, but a
Stochastic inversion of gravity, magnetic, tracer, lithology, and fault data for geologically realistic structural models: Patua Geothermal Field case study
Financial risk due to geological uncertainty is a major barrier for geothermal development. Production from a geothermal well depends on the unknown location of subsurface geological structures, such as faults that contain hydrothermal fluids. Traditionally, geoscientists collect many different datasets, interpret the datasets manually, and create a single model estimating faults' locations. This
3-D geologic controls of hydrothermal fluid flow at Brady geothermal field, Nevada, USA
In many hydrothermal systems, fracture permeability along faults provides pathways for groundwater to transport heat from depth. Faulting generates a range of deformation styles that cross-cut heterogeneous geology, resulting in complex patterns of permeability, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity. Vertical connectivity (a throughgoing network of permeable areas that allows advection of heat from
Geothermal play fairway analysis of the Sou Hills, northern Nevada: A major quaternary accommodation zone in the Great Basin region
To facilitate discovery and development of blind geothermal systems in the Great Basin region, as well as assessment of known systems with surface hot springs, a play fairway approach was developed to evaluate and integrate multiple geologic and geophysical parameters for permeability and heat. Phase 1 of the project produced a geothermal potential map of 96,000 km2 of Nevada. This analysis yielde
Subsurface characterization and machine learning predictions at Brady Hot Springs
Subsurface data analysis, reservoir modeling, and machine learning (ML) techniques have been applied to the Brady Hot Springs (BHS) geothermal field in Nevada, USA to further characterize the subsurface and assist with optimizing reservoir management. Hundreds of reservoir simulations have been conducted in TETRAD-G and CMG STARS to explore different injection and production fluid flow rates and a
Play fairway analysis in geothermal exploration: The Snake River plain volcanic province
The Snake River volcanic province (SRP) has long been considered a target for geothermal development. It overlies a thermal anomaly that extends deep into the mantle and represents one of the highest heat flow provinces in North America, but systematic exploration been hindered by lack of a conceptual model. Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) is a methodology adapted from the petroleum industry that inte
Can geologic factors be predictive for distinguishing between productive and non-productive geothermal wells?
Geologic data are examined to evaluate whether certain geologic characteristics occur in higher abundance or higher magnitude along production geothermal wells relative to non-productive wells. We perform 3D geologic mapping, 3D stress modeling, and fault-slip modeling to estimate fourteen different geologic factors that are hypothesized to control or correlate with well productivity. The geologic
Discovering blind geothermal systems in the Great Basin Region: An integrated geologic and geophysical approach for establishing geothermal play fairways: All phases
Most geothermal resources in the Great Basin region of the western USA are blind, and thus the discovery of new commercial-grade systems requires synthesis of favorable characteristics for geothermal activity. The geothermal play fairway concept involves integration of multiple parameters indicative of geothermal activity to identify promising areas for new development. This project integrated mul
Uncertainty and risk evaluation during the exploration stage of geothermal development
Quantifying and representing uncertainty for geothermal systems is often ignored, in practice, during the exploration phase of a geothermal development project. We propose that this occurs potentially because the task seems so formidable. The primary goal of this paper is to initiate a dialogue within the geothermal community about: which geothermal uncertainties should receive the most attention
Non-USGS Publications**
Siler, D.L., and Karson, J.A., 2017. Along-Axis Structure and Crustal Construction Processes of Spreading Segments in Iceland: Implications for Magamatic Rifts. Tectonics.
Siler, D.L., Yingqi Zhang, Nicolas F. Spycher, Patrick F. Dobson, James S. McClain, Erika Gasperikova Robert A. Zierenberg, Peter Schiffman, Colin Ferguson, Andrew Fowler, Carolyn Cantwell, 2017. Play-fairway analysis for geothermal resources and exploration risk in the Modoc Plateau region, Geothermics. 69, 15-33.
Siler, D.L., and Kennedy, B.M., 2016. Regional crustal-scale structures as conduits for deep geothermal upflow, Geothermics, 59A, 27-37.
Witter, J.B., Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H. 3D geophysical inversion modeling of gravity data to test the 3D geologic model of the Bradys geothermal area, Nevada, USA.
Witter, J.B., Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H. 3D geophysical inversion modeling of gravity data to test the 3D geologic model of the Bradys geothermal area, Nevada, USA.
Witter, J.B., Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H. 3D geophysical inversion modeling of gravity data to test the 3D geologic model of the Bradys geothermal area, Nevada, USA.
Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E. Mayhew, B., and McNamara, D., 2016. Analysis of the favorability for geothermal fluid flow in 3D: Astor Pass geothermal prospect, Great Basin, northwestern Nevada, USA, Geothermics, 60, 1-12.
Siler, D.L., and J.A. Karson, 2012. Sub-volcanic subsidence and caldera formation during sub aerial seafloor spreading in Iceland, Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 124, no. 7-8, p. 1310-1323.
Siler, D.L., and J.A. Karson, 2009. Three-dimensional structure of inclined sheet swarms: Implications for crustal thickening and subsidence in the volcanic rift zones of Iceland, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 188, 333–346
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Stratigraphic and fault surfaces from the Three-Dimensional Geologic Map of the southeastern Gabbs Valley Geothermal Area
This digital dataset represents the 3D fault and stratigraphic surfaces of the three dimensional geologic map of the southeastern Gabbs Valley, Nevada. The data define the easting, northing, and elevations (meters, NAD 83 Zone 11N) of points that define the top and bottom contacts of stratigraphic units and fault surfaces.
Shapefile for slip tendency and dilation tendency calculated for Quaternary faults in the Great Basin
This database contains the results of slip tendency and dilation tendency analysis of Quaternary faults in the Great Basin region, including parts of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. This effort was undertaken to help identify faults and fault segments that are appropriately oriented to be stress-loaded for slip or to dilate under the ambient stress conditions. Both c
Geophysical characterization of geothermal resources on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in northeast Oregon
During the summers of 2017 and 2020, our team collected gravity, ground magnetic (ATV and hiked traverses), paleomagnetic and rock property (density and susceptibility) data on the Umatilla Indian Reservation (UIR) in northeast Oregon to aid in characterizing subsurface stratigraphy using 2D and 3D modeling methods. This data was integrated with conductance surfaces from a 3D magnetotelluic model
Magnetotelluric Data from the Gabbs Valley Region, Nevada, 2020
This data set consists of 59 wideband magnetotelluric (MT) stations collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in July and August of 2020 as part of a 1-year project funded by the Energy Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey to demonstrate full crustal control on geothermal systems in the Great Basin. Each station had 5 components, 3 orthogonal magnetic induction coils and 2 horizontal orth
USGS Contributions to the Nevada Geothermal Machine Learning Project (DE-FOA-0001956): Geophysics, Heat Flow, Slip and Dilation Tendency
This package contains USGS data contributions to the DOE-funded Nevada Geothermal Machine Learning Project (DE-FOA-0001956), with the objective of developing a machine learning approach to identifying new geothermal systems in the Great Basin. This package contains three major data products (geophysics, heat flow, and fault dilation and slip tendencies) that cover a large portion of northern Nevad
USGS Contributions to the Nevada Geothermal Machine Learning Project (DE-FOA-0001956): Slip and Dilation Tendency Data
This package contains data in a portion of northern Nevada, the extent of the ?Nevada Machine Learning Project? (DE-EE0008762). Slip tendency (TS) and dilation tendency (TD) were calculated for the all the faults in the Nevada ML study area. TS is the ratio between the shear components of the stress tensor and the normal components of the stress tensor acting on a fault plane. TD is the ratio of a
Snake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis Phase 2 Favorability Model (DE EE0006733)
This data release contains all digital geographic data used and produced by the Snake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis (DE EE0006733) for Phase 2 (ArcGIS shapefiles and raster files) as well as the model processing script, tables, and documentation used to generate data outputs. Phase 2 examines two subset areas of the Phase 1 study area, Mountain Home and Camas Prairie. Brief descriptions of dat
Snake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis Phase 1 Favorability Model (DE EE0006733)
This data release contains all digital geographic data used and produced by the Snake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis (DE EE0006733) for Phase 1 (ArcGIS shapefiles and raster files) as well as the model processing script, tables, and documentation used to generate data outputs. Brief descriptions of data layers are in the metadata of GIS files, greater detail is available in the Larger Work, the
GIS and Data Tables for Focus Areas for Potential Domestic Nonfuel Sources of Rare Earth Elements
In response to Executive Order 13817 of December 20, 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to identify 35 nonfuel minerals or mineral materials considered critical to the economic and national security of the United States (U.S.). Acquiring information on possible domestic sources of these critical minerals is the basis of the USGS Earth Mappi
Three-dimensional geologic map of the Brady geothermal area, Nevada
The three-dimensional (3D) geologic map characterizes the subsurface in the Brady geothermal area in the northern Hot Springs Mountains of northwestern Nevada. We built the 3D map by integrating the results from detailed geologic mapping, seismic-reflection, potential-field-geophysical, and lithologic well-logging investigations completed in the study area. This effort was undertaken to investigat
Three-dimensional geologic map of the southern Carson Sink, Nevada, including the Fallon FORGE area
The three-dimensional (3–D) geologic map characterizes the subsurface in the southern Carson Sink region. We created the 3–D map by integrating the results from seismic-reflection, potential-field-geophysical, and lithologic well-logging investigations completed in and around the Fallon FORGE site as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FOR
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 20
Discovering hidden geothermal signatures using non-negative matrix factorization with customized k-means clustering
Discovery of hidden geothermal resources is challenging. It requires the mining of large datasets with diverse data attributes representing subsurface hydrogeological and geothermal conditions. The commonly used play fairway analysis approach typically incorporates subject-matter expertise to analyze regional data to estimate geothermal characteristics and favorability. We demonstrate an alternatiAdvancing geophysical techniques to image a stratigraphic hydrothermal resource
Sedimentary-hosted geothermal energy systems are permeable structural, structural-stratigraphic, and/or stratigraphic horizons with sufficient temperature for direct use and/or electricity generation. Sedimentary-hosted (i.e., stratigraphic) geothermal reservoirs may be present in multiple locations across the central and eastern Great Basin of the USA, thereby constituting a potentially large basModeling subsurface performance of a geothermal reservoir using machine learning
Geothermal power plants typically show decreasing heat and power production rates over time. Mitigation strategies include optimizing the management of existing wells—increasing or decreasing the fluid flow rates across the wells—and drilling new wells at appropriate locations. The latter is expensive, time-consuming, and subject to many engineering constraints, but the former is a viable mechanisMachine learning to identify geologic factors associated with production in geothermal fields: A case-study using 3D geologic data, Brady geothermal field, Nevada
In this paper, we present an analysis using unsupervised machine learning (ML) to identify the key geologic factors that contribute to the geothermal production in Brady geothermal field. Brady is a hydrothermal system in northwestern Nevada that supports both electricity production and direct use of hydrothermal fluids. Transmissive fluid-flow pathways are relatively rare in the subsurface, but aStochastic inversion of gravity, magnetic, tracer, lithology, and fault data for geologically realistic structural models: Patua Geothermal Field case study
Financial risk due to geological uncertainty is a major barrier for geothermal development. Production from a geothermal well depends on the unknown location of subsurface geological structures, such as faults that contain hydrothermal fluids. Traditionally, geoscientists collect many different datasets, interpret the datasets manually, and create a single model estimating faults' locations. This3-D geologic controls of hydrothermal fluid flow at Brady geothermal field, Nevada, USA
In many hydrothermal systems, fracture permeability along faults provides pathways for groundwater to transport heat from depth. Faulting generates a range of deformation styles that cross-cut heterogeneous geology, resulting in complex patterns of permeability, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity. Vertical connectivity (a throughgoing network of permeable areas that allows advection of heat fromGeothermal play fairway analysis of the Sou Hills, northern Nevada: A major quaternary accommodation zone in the Great Basin region
To facilitate discovery and development of blind geothermal systems in the Great Basin region, as well as assessment of known systems with surface hot springs, a play fairway approach was developed to evaluate and integrate multiple geologic and geophysical parameters for permeability and heat. Phase 1 of the project produced a geothermal potential map of 96,000 km2 of Nevada. This analysis yieldeSubsurface characterization and machine learning predictions at Brady Hot Springs
Subsurface data analysis, reservoir modeling, and machine learning (ML) techniques have been applied to the Brady Hot Springs (BHS) geothermal field in Nevada, USA to further characterize the subsurface and assist with optimizing reservoir management. Hundreds of reservoir simulations have been conducted in TETRAD-G and CMG STARS to explore different injection and production fluid flow rates and aPlay fairway analysis in geothermal exploration: The Snake River plain volcanic province
The Snake River volcanic province (SRP) has long been considered a target for geothermal development. It overlies a thermal anomaly that extends deep into the mantle and represents one of the highest heat flow provinces in North America, but systematic exploration been hindered by lack of a conceptual model. Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) is a methodology adapted from the petroleum industry that inteCan geologic factors be predictive for distinguishing between productive and non-productive geothermal wells?
Geologic data are examined to evaluate whether certain geologic characteristics occur in higher abundance or higher magnitude along production geothermal wells relative to non-productive wells. We perform 3D geologic mapping, 3D stress modeling, and fault-slip modeling to estimate fourteen different geologic factors that are hypothesized to control or correlate with well productivity. The geologicDiscovering blind geothermal systems in the Great Basin Region: An integrated geologic and geophysical approach for establishing geothermal play fairways: All phases
Most geothermal resources in the Great Basin region of the western USA are blind, and thus the discovery of new commercial-grade systems requires synthesis of favorable characteristics for geothermal activity. The geothermal play fairway concept involves integration of multiple parameters indicative of geothermal activity to identify promising areas for new development. This project integrated mulUncertainty and risk evaluation during the exploration stage of geothermal development
Quantifying and representing uncertainty for geothermal systems is often ignored, in practice, during the exploration phase of a geothermal development project. We propose that this occurs potentially because the task seems so formidable. The primary goal of this paper is to initiate a dialogue within the geothermal community about: which geothermal uncertainties should receive the most attentionNon-USGS Publications**
Siler, D.L., and Karson, J.A., 2017. Along-Axis Structure and Crustal Construction Processes of Spreading Segments in Iceland: Implications for Magamatic Rifts. Tectonics.Siler, D.L., Yingqi Zhang, Nicolas F. Spycher, Patrick F. Dobson, James S. McClain, Erika Gasperikova Robert A. Zierenberg, Peter Schiffman, Colin Ferguson, Andrew Fowler, Carolyn Cantwell, 2017. Play-fairway analysis for geothermal resources and exploration risk in the Modoc Plateau region, Geothermics. 69, 15-33.Siler, D.L., and Kennedy, B.M., 2016. Regional crustal-scale structures as conduits for deep geothermal upflow, Geothermics, 59A, 27-37.
Witter, J.B., Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H. 3D geophysical inversion modeling of gravity data to test the 3D geologic model of the Bradys geothermal area, Nevada, USA.Witter, J.B., Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H. 3D geophysical inversion modeling of gravity data to test the 3D geologic model of the Bradys geothermal area, Nevada, USA.Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E. Mayhew, B., and McNamara, D., 2016. Analysis of the favorability for geothermal fluid flow in 3D: Astor Pass geothermal prospect, Great Basin, northwestern Nevada, USA, Geothermics, 60, 1-12.Siler, D.L., and J.A. Karson, 2012. Sub-volcanic subsidence and caldera formation during sub aerial seafloor spreading in Iceland, Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 124, no. 7-8, p. 1310-1323.Siler, D.L., and J.A. Karson, 2009. Three-dimensional structure of inclined sheet swarms: Implications for crustal thickening and subsidence in the volcanic rift zones of Iceland, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 188, 333–346**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- Data
Stratigraphic and fault surfaces from the Three-Dimensional Geologic Map of the southeastern Gabbs Valley Geothermal Area
This digital dataset represents the 3D fault and stratigraphic surfaces of the three dimensional geologic map of the southeastern Gabbs Valley, Nevada. The data define the easting, northing, and elevations (meters, NAD 83 Zone 11N) of points that define the top and bottom contacts of stratigraphic units and fault surfaces.Shapefile for slip tendency and dilation tendency calculated for Quaternary faults in the Great Basin
This database contains the results of slip tendency and dilation tendency analysis of Quaternary faults in the Great Basin region, including parts of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. This effort was undertaken to help identify faults and fault segments that are appropriately oriented to be stress-loaded for slip or to dilate under the ambient stress conditions. Both cGeophysical characterization of geothermal resources on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in northeast Oregon
During the summers of 2017 and 2020, our team collected gravity, ground magnetic (ATV and hiked traverses), paleomagnetic and rock property (density and susceptibility) data on the Umatilla Indian Reservation (UIR) in northeast Oregon to aid in characterizing subsurface stratigraphy using 2D and 3D modeling methods. This data was integrated with conductance surfaces from a 3D magnetotelluic modelMagnetotelluric Data from the Gabbs Valley Region, Nevada, 2020
This data set consists of 59 wideband magnetotelluric (MT) stations collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in July and August of 2020 as part of a 1-year project funded by the Energy Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey to demonstrate full crustal control on geothermal systems in the Great Basin. Each station had 5 components, 3 orthogonal magnetic induction coils and 2 horizontal orthUSGS Contributions to the Nevada Geothermal Machine Learning Project (DE-FOA-0001956): Geophysics, Heat Flow, Slip and Dilation Tendency
This package contains USGS data contributions to the DOE-funded Nevada Geothermal Machine Learning Project (DE-FOA-0001956), with the objective of developing a machine learning approach to identifying new geothermal systems in the Great Basin. This package contains three major data products (geophysics, heat flow, and fault dilation and slip tendencies) that cover a large portion of northern NevadUSGS Contributions to the Nevada Geothermal Machine Learning Project (DE-FOA-0001956): Slip and Dilation Tendency Data
This package contains data in a portion of northern Nevada, the extent of the ?Nevada Machine Learning Project? (DE-EE0008762). Slip tendency (TS) and dilation tendency (TD) were calculated for the all the faults in the Nevada ML study area. TS is the ratio between the shear components of the stress tensor and the normal components of the stress tensor acting on a fault plane. TD is the ratio of aSnake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis Phase 2 Favorability Model (DE EE0006733)
This data release contains all digital geographic data used and produced by the Snake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis (DE EE0006733) for Phase 2 (ArcGIS shapefiles and raster files) as well as the model processing script, tables, and documentation used to generate data outputs. Phase 2 examines two subset areas of the Phase 1 study area, Mountain Home and Camas Prairie. Brief descriptions of datSnake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis Phase 1 Favorability Model (DE EE0006733)
This data release contains all digital geographic data used and produced by the Snake River Plain Play Fairway Analysis (DE EE0006733) for Phase 1 (ArcGIS shapefiles and raster files) as well as the model processing script, tables, and documentation used to generate data outputs. Brief descriptions of data layers are in the metadata of GIS files, greater detail is available in the Larger Work, theGIS and Data Tables for Focus Areas for Potential Domestic Nonfuel Sources of Rare Earth Elements
In response to Executive Order 13817 of December 20, 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to identify 35 nonfuel minerals or mineral materials considered critical to the economic and national security of the United States (U.S.). Acquiring information on possible domestic sources of these critical minerals is the basis of the USGS Earth Mappi - Maps
Three-dimensional geologic map of the Brady geothermal area, Nevada
The three-dimensional (3D) geologic map characterizes the subsurface in the Brady geothermal area in the northern Hot Springs Mountains of northwestern Nevada. We built the 3D map by integrating the results from detailed geologic mapping, seismic-reflection, potential-field-geophysical, and lithologic well-logging investigations completed in the study area. This effort was undertaken to investigatThree-dimensional geologic map of the southern Carson Sink, Nevada, including the Fallon FORGE area
The three-dimensional (3–D) geologic map characterizes the subsurface in the southern Carson Sink region. We created the 3–D map by integrating the results from seismic-reflection, potential-field-geophysical, and lithologic well-logging investigations completed in and around the Fallon FORGE site as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FOR
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government