The Role of Fractures and Fault Zones On Exploration and Development of Geothermal Reservoirs

Fluid flow in geothermal reservoirs is an essential component to an open loop geothermal system and is characterized by fluid composition and permeability. The control of fault zones on the fluid flow and hydraulic conductivity in the subsurface is often underestimated when evaluating a reservoir. Permeability in fault zones is influenced by various scales of structural geology from tectonic setting to regional faults to grain structures. In this talk, the role of fault zones in geothermal fields and the methods used to characterize fault zones will be discussed. Case studies in Wyoming and Rico, Colorado will be reviewed to demonstrate how a thorough understanding of permeability distribution in a geothermal reservoir is crucial for effective exploration, development, and maintenance of a system.

EMILIE GENTRY is a Senior Geothermal Geoscientist with TEVERRA providing geological mapping, resource assessment, and geothermal conceptual model development. Her technical expertise is structural and subsurface geology with experience in geologic research and oil and gas development, exploration, reservoir characterization, and regulatory affairs management. Emilie uses her knowledge in faults and structural geology and her experience in oil and gas to address major challenges in the geothermal industry and bring opportunity to the larger energy industry. She earned her B.Sc. in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and her M.Sc. in Geology at Colorado School of Mines. Emilie is an active member of Women In Geothermal (WING) and was part of the WING Future Leaders Cohort.