Abstract: Geothermal Potential of Three Areas in Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming

Gerald W. Huttrer, Alan H. Tamm

Three areas in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming have been determined to have significant geothermal potential based on their geologic environment, structural characteristics, and persistent microseismicity. Thermal manifestations at the three areas are somewhat dissimilar.

The Afton, Wyoming, prospect is on the edge of a seismically active graben within the overthrust belt. Predominantly Mesozoic sedimentary rocks underlie the interest area. Thermal phenomena are limited to a small series of sulfur-precipitating hot (97°C) springs.

Grays Lake, Idaho, is near the boundary of the overthrust belt and the Snake River Plains. Few overt thermal manifestations are present, but the area is characterized by intense microearthquake activity clustered spatially and temporarily, and by zones of anomalously low electrical resistivity.

Soda Springs, Idaho, has a most prospective geologic environment including 40,000 year-old rhyolites, porous and permeable carbonate bedrock, and clustered microearthquake epicenters. Thermal manifestations are common and intense.

Though geothermal exploration has been conducted extensively throughout the Basin and Range and the Western Cordillera, this region has received scant attention. The experience and positive attitude of the Idaho state government coupled with the prospective geologic environment and a strong power demand should attract exploration and development of geothermal resources by private industry in the near future.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90968©1977 AAPG-SEPM Annual Convention and Exhibition, Washington, DC