Modeling and Monitoring Heat and Fluid Flow in Geothermal Systems

Analysis of heat and fluid flow in geothermal systems is needed to adequately describe both the natural state of such systems and their response to fluid production for energy development. The analysis may involve analytical or numerical solution techniques, but requires delineation of realistic conceptual models for specific geothermal systems. This, in turn, requires the collection and synthesis of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and hydrologic data. Periodic monitoring of changes in geothermal systems, including surficial thermal manifestations, can aid in understanding the natural conditions of flow and effects caused by crustal unrest and geothermal development. Objectives are to elucidate the processes involved in geothermal systems and their response to stresses imposed by geothermal development, earthquakes, and magmatic intrusions Develop realistic conceptual models of specific systems; evaluate the level of natural variability in thermal fluid discharge in hot springs and fumaroles at specific geothermal areas.

REPORTS PUBLISHED 1999-2003

Evans, W.C., Sorey, M.L., Cook, A.C., Kennedy, B.M., Shuster, D.L., Colvard, E.M., White, L.D., and Huebner, M.A., 2002, Tracing and quantifying magmatic carbon discharge in cold groundwaters: lessons learned from Mammoth Mountain, USA: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research v.114, p. 291-312.

Cook. A.C., Hainsworth, L.J., Sorey, M.L., Evans, W.C., Southon, J.R.., 2001, Radiocarbon studies of plant leaves and tree rings fro Mammoth Mountain, CA: A long-term record of magmatic CO₂ release: Chemical Geology, v. 177, p. 117-131. (on-line abstract)

Evans, W.C., Sorey, M.L., Kennedy, B.M., Stonestrom, D.A., Rogie, J.D., Shuster, D.I., 2001, High CO₂ emissions through porous media: Transport mechanisms and implications for flux measurement and fractionation: Chemical Geology, v. 177, p. 15-29. (on-line abstract)

Evans, W.C., Sorey, M.L., Michel, R.L., Cook, A.C., Kennedy, B.M., and Busenberg, E., 2001, Tracing magmatic carbon in groundwaters at Big Springs, Long Valley caldera, USA, in Cidu, R., ed., Proceedings of the tenth international symposium WRI-10, Villasimius, Italy, 10-15 June 2001: A.A. Balkema, v. 1, p. 803-806.

Ingebritsen, S.E., Galloway, D.L., Colvard, L.M., Sorey, M.L., and Mariner, R.H., 2001, Time-variation of hydrothermal discharge at selected sites in the western United States: Implications for monitoring: Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 111, p. 1-23. (on-line abstract)

Rogie, J.D., Kerrick, D.M., Sorey, M.L., Chiodini, G., and Galloway, D.L., 2001, Dynamics of carbon dioxide emissions at Mammoth Mountain, California: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 188, p. 535-541. (on-line abstract)

Sorey, M.L., 2001, Magmatic carbon and helium discharge from Shrub mud volcano, Cooper River Basin, Southwestern Alaska, 2001, in Cidu, R., ed., Proceedings of the tenth international symposium WRI-10, Villasimius, Italy, 10-15 June 2001: A.A. Balkema, v. 1, p. 919-922.

Kharaka, Y.K., Sorey, M.L., and Thordsen, J.J., 2000, Large-scale hydrothermal fluid discharges in the Norris-Mammoth corridor, Yellowstone National Park, USA: Journal of Geochemical Exploration, v. 69-70, p. 201-205. (on-line abstract)

Sorey, M.L., 2000, Geothermal development and changes in surficial features: examples from the Western United States: Proceedings of the World Geothermal Congress, 2000, Compact Disc.

Sorey, M.L., Werner, C., McGimsey, R.G., and Evans, W.C., 2000, Hydrothermal activity and carbon-dioxide discharge at Shrub and Upper Klawasi Mud Volcanoes, Wrangell Mountains, Alaska: U.S. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4207, 18 p. (on-line abstract or on-line report in pdf format, 3804 KB)

Sorey, M.L., Evans, W.C., Kennedy, B.M., Rogie, J., and Cook, A., 1999, Magmatic gas emissions from Mammoth Mountain: California Geology, v. 52, n. 5, p. 4-16.

Sorey, M., and Hill, D., 1999, Scientific drilling in Long Velley caldera, California, - an update: California Geology, v. 53, no. 1, p. 4-11.

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