--> Abstract: Discovery and Geology of Desert Peak, Nevada, Geothermal Field, by Walter R. Benoit; #90963 (1978).
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Abstract: Discovery and Geology of Desert Peak, Nevada, Geothermal Field

Previous HitWalterTop R. Benoit

The Desert Peak geothermal field was discovered by drilling a temperature-gradient hole. Temperature-gradient holes up to 152 m (500 ft) deep have defined a near-surface thermal anomaly covering more than 260 sq km (100 sq mi). Deeper temperature-gradient holes and production holes have shown that thermal water from the reservoir is leaking into at least three near-surface aquifers. These aquifers can extend for several miles beyond the reservoir boundary and therefore make outlining the reservoir difficult. Electrical methods have not been helpful in locating reservoir boundaries.

The reservoir is in fractured Mesozoic greenstones and has a maximum measured temperature of 208°C (406°F). The reservoir water is a sodium-chloride water which is three times more saline than the thermal water in the nearby Brady Hot Springs system.

The youngest recognized silicous volcanic unit in the area is 11.2 m.y. old. Therefore, the heat source in this area is probably not magmatic.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90963©1978 AAPG/SEG/SEPM Pacific Section Meeting, Sacramento, California