A Geothermal Exploration Strategy Using High Resolution Aeromagnetic Surveys for the Basin-and-range Province

Basin-and-range geothermal resources are typically fault-controlled, deep-circulation systems. They commonly occur beneath thick sequences of Tertiary and Quaternary basin-fill sediments which hinder understanding of fault geometries and faulting patterns. Recent experience at Dixie Valley and survey of the literature for other systems suggest a low-cost and rapid exploration strategy for establishing basin geometries, patterns of Quaternary faulting in and beneath basin-fill sediments, and rationale to select locations for other geophysical surveys and drilling. The strategy involves standard geologic and geophysical techniques but includes early deployment of high-resolution aeromagnetic surveys to establish intra-basin fault patterns. This provides reliable information to focus deployment of more detailed and expensive geophysical surveys, and to site exploration wells. In addition, highresolution aeromagnetic surveys can provide previously unavailable insight into the structural setting of established geothermal fields.