EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Denlinger et al. 1981
Denlinger, R.P., Isherwood, W.F. and Kovach, R.L. (1981). Geodetic analysis of reservoir depletion at the Geysers steam field in northern california. Journal of Geophysical Research 86: doi: 10.1029/JB086iB07p06091. issn: 0148-0227.

Reservoir depletion at the Geysers from 1974 to 1977 is evident in measured changes in gravity, surface strain, and pore pressure drainage The drainage area increased about 20%, the maximum gravity decrease was about ~120 μGal, and the maximum elevation change was about 6 cm during this period. Since the net mass withdrawl is known, it may be combined with the gravity change to estimate a drainage volume. The maximum drainage volume is 25 km3. Because the depth of the caprock and extent of the pore pressure drainage is known, this volume limit implies that no significant mass withdrawal occurs below a depth of 4 km. The ratios of surface elevation changes to horizontal contraction coinciding with the drainage area imply an equant drainage geometry, assuming that fluid production produces negative dilatation. Using the same cylindrical geometry used to model the gravity, negative dilational strain rates of 4 to 5¿10-5/yr were found to produce the observed surface displacements. The likelihood of boiling in the system to produce steam combined with apparent large bulk moduli (from seismic velocities) and small poor pressure declines suggest that most of the reservoir contraction is due to cooling.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit