Possible Extension of Brady’s Fault Identified Using Remote Mapping Techniques

Geothermal resource potential at Brady’s Hot Springs is well expressed by a series of active vents and fumaroles, readily seen at the surface. This potential is currently exploited for both power production and at-source use (garlic drying). At Brady’s Hot Springs the location of the Brady’s Fault is strongly expressed by a linear trend of fumaroles that extend a distance of approximately 4 km. However, south of these fumaroles there are no structural offsets or topographic features that clearly indicate the fault trend. The identification of more subtle geothermal identifiers can serve to more clearly define structural relationships, and potentially illuminate areas that could be thermally productive in the future. We are particularly interested in the remote detection of sinter and tufa deposits that can serve as potential unique geothermal identifiers by using both spaceborne and airborne imagery. The spatial distribution of these rocks near Brady’s Hot Springs may provide a better understanding of the present or paleolocation of the Brady’s Fault. We approached this challenge by first using ASTER multispectral data for a regional overview followed by more detailed analysis using hyperspectral data.