The Rotorua Geothermal Field: An experiment in environmental management

Scott, B J; Mroczek, Ed; Burnell, John; Zarrouk, Sadiq J.; Seward, A.; Robson, Bridget; Graham, DJ

doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2015.09.004

Cited by 10 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 17 publications

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“…The interplay of these processes can be evaluated using numerical models that integrate 3‐D reconstructions of the geological settings into the first‐order physical principles of coupled fluid and heat transport (e.g., Baiocchi et al, 2013; Brehme et al, 2016; Magri et al, 2012; Scheck‐Wenderoth et al, 2014). High‐temperature geothermal resources have historically been the most explored and modeled due to their great economic utility and long‐term exploitation (e.g., Della Vedova et al, 2008; Ingebritsen et al, 2010; Scott et al, 2016). Although they are widespread worldwide, low‐temperature geothermal resources have been less investigated thus far (e.g., Baietto et al, 2008; Montanari et al, 2017; Volpi et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fault Control on a Thermal Anomaly: Conceptual and Numerical Modeling of a Low‐Temperature Geothermal System in the Southern Alps Foreland Basin (NE Italy)

et al. 2020

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The interest on low‐temperature geothermal resources is progressively increasing since their renewability and widespread availability. Despite their frequency, these resources and their development have been only partially investigated. This paper unravels the major physical processes driving a low‐temperature geothermal resource in NE Italy (Euganean Geothermal System) through conceptual and numerical modeling. Dense fracturing associated to regional fault zones and a relay ramp enhances regional to local flow of thermal waters. Their rapid upwelling in the Euganean Geothermal Field is favored by open extensional fractures deforming the relay ramp. The water (65–86 °C) is intensively exploited for balneotherapy, rendering it a profitable resource. Three‐dimensional coupled flow and heat transport numerical simulations based on this conceptual model are performed. Despite the presence of a uniform basal heat flow, a thermal anomaly corresponding to field observations develops in the modeling domain reproducing the relay ramp. Intensive fracturing extending across a wide area and a slightly anomalous heat flow favors a local increase in convection that drives the upwelling of deep‐seated hot waters. The simulations corroborate and refine the conceptual model, revealing that water of up to 115 °C is likely to be found in the unexplored part of the thermal field. This study furthers knowledge on fault‐controlled low‐temperature geothermal resources where the geological setting could enhance local convection without anomalous heat flows, creating temperatures favorable for energy production. Conceptual and numerical modeling based on solid geological and hydrogeological reconstructions can offer a support tool for further detailed explorations of these prominent resources.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fault Control on a Thermal Anomaly: Conceptual and Numerical Modeling of a Low‐Temperature Geothermal System in the Southern Alps Foreland Basin (NE Italy)

et al. 2020

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The influence of alteration and fractures on gas permeability and mechanical properties of the sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Acoculco Caldera Complex (México)

Ramírez-Guzmán,

Pola,

Macias

et al. 2024

Bull Eng Geol Environ

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Petrophysical and mechanical properties of limestones and volcanic altered and unaltered rocks were estimated by a series of laboratory measurements. The aim of this work was to study the changes in matrix permeability and the influence of an induced vertical fracture. The phenomenon was studied by direct comparison of different properties (porosity, UCS, permeability) and by a multiple linear regression analysis. Porosity, UCS, and matrix permeability of limestones and non-altered volcanic rocks showed homogeneous values. However, the permeability increased from poor to moderate after fracture induction (10–17 to 10–14 m2). Altered volcanic specimens showed a more complex pore system. Thus, considerable variations in all measured properties were identified. For example, porosity ranged from 6 to 50% and Permeability ranged from 10–14 to 10–12 m2. Comparison plots including UCS, porosity, and matrix permeability showed a good fitting (R2=0.75). Multiple linear regression analysis in fractured specimens has a moderate R2 (0.55) The model that better explains the permeability evolution of fractured specimens has the fracture permeability as the response variable and the porosity values as independent variables. The usage and repeatability of these equations in other zones should include more singularities of every single specimen as pore size, pore distribution, and fractures.

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A history of geothermal direct use development in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

Climo

Milicich

White³

2016

Geothermics

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The Rotorua Geothermal Field: An experiment in environmental management

Cited by 10 publications

References 17 publications

Fault Control on a Thermal Anomaly: Conceptual and Numerical Modeling of a Low‐Temperature Geothermal System in the Southern Alps Foreland Basin (NE Italy)

Fault Control on a Thermal Anomaly: Conceptual and Numerical Modeling of a Low‐Temperature Geothermal System in the Southern Alps Foreland Basin (NE Italy)

The influence of alteration and fractures on gas permeability and mechanical properties of the sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Acoculco Caldera Complex (México)

A history of geothermal direct use development in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

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