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

Detailed Reference Information
O’Connell & Johnson 1991
O’Connell, D.R.H. and Johnson, L.R. (1991). Progressive inversion for hypocenters and P wave and S wave velocity structure: Application to the Geysers, California, geothermal field. Journal of Geophysical Research 96: doi: 10.1029/91JB00154. issn: 0148-0227.

Seismicity at The Geysers is induced by some aspect of steam production. Accurate earthquake locations, particularly hypocentral depth, are needed to determine the relationship between geothermal energy production and seismicity. Progressive P and S wave velocity-hypocenter inversions were done using data from 39 microearthquakes at The Geysers to estimate microearthquake locations and determine if the geothermal field has a distinctive seismic signature. Comparable final Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs velocity models were obtained from four different starting velocity models. The elevation interval of maximum steam production coincides with minimum observed Vp/Vs, and Vp/Vs increases below the primary production zone, suggesting that reservoir rock becomes more fluid saturated with increasing depth. A Vp/Vs peak at the condensation zone-production zone elevation delineates the top of the stream reservoir. Earthquake locations are confined to two depth intervals. A zone of shallow seismicity occurs immediately below the condensation zone and above maximum depths of steam production. A more arealy restricted zone of seismicity is located below maximum production depths and is abruptly terminated at an elevation of -3.7 km. ¿1991 American Geophysical Union

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Seismology, Earthquake parameters, Seismology, Continental crust, Tectonophysics, Hydrothermal systems
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