Constraints in the hot-dry-rock resources of the united states
As with hydrothermal systems, the western U.S has higher HDR potential overall than the eastern U.S. because geothermal gradients on average are higher in the west. Nevertheless, some attractive exploration targets occur in the eastern U.S. The most favorable target in the eastern U.S. (defined here to include the Great Plains province) is one in which the heat flow from the basement rocks is higher than average, either due to heat generation from highly radioactive rocks or to a plume of hot water driven upwards from greater depths by convection, and where such basement rocks are blanketed by one or more kilometers of sedimentary material having a low thermal conductivity.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1993 |
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Title | Constraints in the hot-dry-rock resources of the united states |
Authors | John Sass, Marianne Guffanti |
Publication Type | Conference Paper |
Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
Index ID | 70017958 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |