Three-dimensional seismic imaging of the Rye Patch geothermal reservoir

Abstract

A 3-D surface seismic survey was condu geothermal reservoir (Nevada), to deter applied in geothermal environments: Furthermore, it was intended to map the structural features which may control geothermal production in the reservoir. The seismic survey covered an area of 3.03 square miles and was designed with 12 north-south receiver lines and 25 east-west source lines. The receiver group interval was 100 feet and the receiver line spacing was 800 feet. The source interval was 100 feet while the source line spacing was 400 feet. The sources were comprised of 4 vibrator trucks arranged in a box array. Seismic processing involved, among other steps, the picking of over 700,000 of the possible one million traces to determine first arrival travel times, normal moveout correction, 3-D stack, deconvolution, time migration, and depth conversion. The final data set rep Additionally, the travel times wer to support the findings of the surface seismic imaging. The results suggest the presence of at least one dominant fault responsible for the migration of fluids in the reservoir. F'urthermore, it is suggested that this feature might be part of a fault system that includes a graben structure. structure of the Rye Patch mic techniques could be successfully nts a 3-D cube of the subsurface .structure in the reservoir. ed to perform tomogwhic inversions for velocity estimates This preprint was prepared with AGU's IlylEx macros v4.

Seismic Mapping of the Subsurface Structure at the Ryepatch Geothermal Reservoir

“…A feature similar to the rise described above was detected in the study by Feighner et al [1999], and is shown in Figure 13 Figure 13 is an artifact of the ray geometry and does not represent actual subsurface structure.…”

“…In 1999, an integrated study based on various geophysical data was conducted by Teplow Geologic (Teplow [1999]). This study included, among other results, the interpretation of the seismic reflection lines produced by Feighner et al [1999]. A possible explanation may be the presence of hydrothermal mineralization in the alluvial deposits of the area (Teplow [1999]).…”

LiDAR and hyperspectral analysis of mineral alteration and faulting on the west side of the Humboldt Range, Nevada

“…The seismic tomography of Gritto et al (2003) indicated subsurface topography in the geo thermal region, with a broad west-trending ridge in the shallow subsurface, possibly bounded on one or both sides by faults. The interpretation of east or ENE-striking faults is supported by results of a 3D seismic experiment that covers the Rye Patch geothermal anomaly (Feighner et al, 1999). The fault or faults are inferred to cut through the Triassic carbonates and clastic reservoir and continue into the overlying Tertiary sedimentary and volcanic rocks.…”

3-D Seismic Methods for Geothermal Reservoir Exploration and Assessment--Summary

“…Surface seismic reflection has been tried in a variety of geothermal environments (Majer, 1978, Denlinger and Kovach, 1981, Majer and McEvilly 1982, Okaya and Thompson 1985, Okaya, 1986, Okaya and Thompson and 1986, Larkin et al 1996, Severson, 1985, Feighner et al 1998, Feighner et al 1999, Honges et al 1998, Gritto et. al 2000.…”

“…The objective of the work was not to extend or develop new technology, but to test existing technology in the geothermal environment. Prior to the work a multicomponent VSP was carried out at the site to determine if there was adequate subsurface impedance contrasts to result in reflection, derive velocity control for any subsequent surface work, and to determine if the known resource had any specific seismic signature (Feighner et al 1998, Feighner et al 1999. Shown in Figure 1 is the design of the survey with the shot and receiver points.…”