Local earthquake tomography of the Larderello-Travale geothermal field

Bagagli, Matteo; Kissling, Edi; Piccinini, D.; Saccorotti, Gilberto

doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2019.101731

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Indeed, part of the exploited reservoir is located at the same depth as R2. We point out the match between R2 and the current geothermal target represented by the seismic H-horizon along the seismic profile from [39] (see Figure 15). It is possible that in other sectors of the investigated area the H-horizon can lie in correspondence with R3.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…In order to interpret the resistive body R3 below the Travale field, we compared the 3D resistivity model with the 3D local earthquake tomography by [39]. An analogy occurs between the resistive body R3 and the low-velocity body detected in the v p images below the Travale area along an available profile (see Figure 15 from profile CC plotted in Figure 8a).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The K-horizon has often been associated to the 400-450 • C isotherm and the occurrence of supercritical fluids, but recent deep drilling in the proximity of Larderello measured a temperature above the K-horizon of about 510 • C [45]. The most recent seismic study in the Travale area was a local earthquake tomography analysis derived by travel-time inversion [39]. The 3D model of P-wave velocity (v p ) highlighted a deep-rooted low-velocity body (v p = 5.7 km/s) below the Travale area, between the H-and K-horizons (see Figure 2b).…”

Section: The Travale Geothermal Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even though the LTGA is regarded as a single geothermal region, several differences occur between the Larderello and Travale sectors. The main geophysical surveys that have been carried out on Travale consist of 2D and 3D seismic reflection data [33,37], passive seismic observations [38,39], time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM), and MT studies [29]. Although MT data have been acquired for exploration and research purposes, to date no work has focused on the 3D inversion of these MT data.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Characterization of the Travale Geothermal Field (Italy)

et al. 2022

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The geoelectrical features of the Travale geothermal field (Italy), one of the most productive geothermal fields in the world, have been investigated by means of three-dimensional (3D) magnetotelluric (MT) data inversion. This study presents the first resistivity model of the Travale geothermal field derived from derivative-based 3D MT inversion. We analyzed MT data that have been acquired in Travale over the past decades in order to determine its geoelectrical dimensionality, directionality, and phase tensor properties. We selected data from 51 MT sites for 3D inversion. We carried out a number of 3D MT inversion tests by changing the type of data to be inverted, the inclusion of static-shift correction at some sites where new time-domain electromagnetic soundings (TDEM) were acquired, the grid rotation, as well as the starting model in order to assess the connection between the inversion model and the geology. The final 3D model herein presents deep elongated resistive bodies between the depths of 1.5 and 8 km. They are transverse to the Apennine structures and suggest a correlation with the strike-slip tectonics. Comparison with a seismic velocity model and well log data suggests a highly-fractured volume of rocks with vapor-dominated circulation. The outcome of this study provides new insights into the complex geothermal system of Travale.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Travale Geothermal Areamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Characterization of the Travale Geothermal Field (Italy)

et al. 2022

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“…In this study we investigate the microseismic events recorded during the deepening of the Venelle 2 well toward supercritical conditions. Previous studies (e.g., Bagagli et al, ; De Matteis et al, ; Piana Agostinetti et al, ; Saccorotti et al, ; Vanorio et al, ) carried out in the area used available waveforms and pickings to perform tomographic studies and to shed light on the subsurface structure of the LTGF. This study represents, to the best of our knowledge, one of the few detailed accounts of the seismicity affecting the LTGF, and of the possible events that can be recorded while drilling in high‐enthalpy geothermal systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tectonic and Anthropogenic Microseismic Activity While Drilling Toward Supercritical Conditions in the Larderello‐Travale Geothermal Field, Italy

et al. 2020

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This study investigates the seismic activity occurring at the Larderello‐Travale geothermal field, central Italy, from June 2017 to January 2018. We deployed a network composed of nine broadband stations around the Venelle 2 well drilling for supercritical fluids. During the experiment, we recognize two types of seismic events (type 1 and type 2). Type‐1 events have clear P and S wave arrivals and occur in clusters both above and below the K‐horizon, which is a seismic reflector marking a debated transition zone at depth. The distribution and evolution of the seismic sequences suggest that the K‐horizon could be interpreted as a fluid‐rich region at near‐lithostatic pressures. Type‐2 events usually occur in swarms and show a periodic pattern, a narrow frequency band, and almost identical waveforms. Their source is estimated to be located near the well, and their occurrence ceases after about 3 weeks from the conclusion of the drilling. We propose a causal link with the drilling operations where pressure fronts inside the well may promote phase changes and fluid flow across the drilled formations. Our study sheds light on the fluid‐driven tectonic and anthropogenic seismic activity at the Larderello‐Travale geothermal field. More generally, we show that microseismic activity occurring during drilling in high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions can remain at low magnitudes and that geothermal wells targeting geothermal fluids in such systems may be handled safely despite the critical conditions encountered at depth. The drilling of the Venelle 2 well is an encouraging example for the development of geothermal energy in critical conditions.

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Geodynamics, geophysical and geochemical observations, and the role of CO2 degassing in the Apennines

Luccio

Palano

Chiodini

et al. 2022

Earth-Science Reviews

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Local earthquake tomography of the Larderello-Travale geothermal field

Cited by 12 publications

References 26 publications

Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Characterization of the Travale Geothermal Field (Italy)

Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Characterization of the Travale Geothermal Field (Italy)

Tectonic and Anthropogenic Microseismic Activity While Drilling Toward Supercritical Conditions in the Larderello‐Travale Geothermal Field, Italy

Geodynamics, geophysical and geochemical observations, and the role of CO2 degassing in the Apennines

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