Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Geothermal geology'

For this thesis I applied classical and multi-component geothermometry techniques to new water chemistry data from Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon and the Wind River Valley, Washington. A total of 20 well, spring, and stream samples from Breitenbush Hot Springs and 4 spring samples from the Wind River Valley were collected and analyzed for major, minor, and select trace anions and cations, as well as stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes. I used two computer programs, GeoT and RTEst, to conduct multi-component geothermometry reservoir condition estimation on each water sample. Water chemistry data from Breitenbush Hot Springs indicates a range of thermal, nonthermal, and mixed waters in wells and springs. Isotope data from Breitenbush Hot Springs indicates that thermal water is a mix between "andesitic waters" (6-10%) and meteoric water (90-94%) from the crest of the Oregon Cascades. Classical and multi-component geothermometry conducted for Breitenbush samples for this thesis suggest a reservoir temperature of approximately 137º C, which is close to the bottom hole temperature recorded in the nearby 2,457 meter deep SUNEDCO well of 141º C, but contrasts with previous applications of geothermometry which estimate a reservoir temperature between 170 and 180º C for the system. Reservoir estimates from this thesis for the Wind River Valley hot spring samples range from 80 to 100º C, which is consistent with previous studies. Multi-component geothermometry optimization indicates a loss of CO2 (i.e. degassing) during the water's ascent at both Breitenbush Hot Springs and the Wind River Valley, and that dilution from nonthermal water occurs in some samples from both areas. Multi-component geothermometry estimates were generally consistent between RTEst and GeoT; inconsistencies were primarily due to differences between the thermodynamic databases used for each program. Appendices A-E are included here as supplemental files.

Yellowstone National Park (YNP) contains the world's largest concentration of geothermal features, and is legally mandated to protect and monitor these natural features. Remote sensing is a component of the current geothermal monitoring plan. Landsat satellite data have a substantial historical archive and will be collected into the future, making it the only available thermal imagery for historical analysis and long-term monitoring of geothermal areas in the entirety of YNP. Landsat imagery from Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensors was explored as a tool for mapping geothermal heat flux and geothermally active areas within YNP and to develop a change analysis technique for scientists to utilize with additional Landsat data available from 1978 through the foreseeable future. Terrestrial emittance and estimates of geothermal heat flux were calculated for the entirety of YNP with two Landsat images from 2007 (TM) and 2002 (ETM+). Terrestrial emittance for fourteen summer dates from 1986 to 2007 was calculated for defined geothermal areas and utilized in a change analysis. Spatial and temporal change trajectories of terrestrial emittance were examined. Trajectories of locations with known change events were also examined. Relationships between the temporal clusters and spatial groupings and several change vectors (distance to geologic faults, distance to large water bodies, and distance to earthquake swarms) were explored. Finally, TM data from 2007 were used to classify geothermally active areas inside the defined geothermal areas as well as throughout YNP and a 30-km buffer around YNP. Estimations of geothermal heat flux were inaccurate due to inherent limitations of Landsat data combined with complexities arising from the effects of solar radiation and spatial and temporal variation of vegetation, microbes, steam outflows, and other features at each geothermal area. Terrestrial emittance, however, was estimated with acceptable results. The change analysis showed a relationship between absolute difference in terrestrial emittance and earthquake swarms, with 34% of the variation explained. Accuracies for the classifications of geothermally active areas were poor, but the method used for classification, random forest, could be a suitable method given higher resolution thermal imagery and better reference data.

Geology
M.S.
Active seismicity and volcanism north of Washington state’s Mount St. Helens provide key ingredients for hydrothermal circulation at depth. This broad zone of seismicity defines the St. Helens Seismic Zone, which extends well north of the volcanic edifice below where several faults and associated fractures in outcrop record repeated slip, dilation, and alteration indicative of localized fluid flow. Candidate reservoir rocks for a geothermal system include marine metasediments overlain by extrusive volcanics. The colocation of elements comprising a geothermal system at this location is tested here by analysis of the structures potentially hosting a reservoir, their relationship to the modern stress state, and temperature logs to a depth of 250 m. Outcrop mapping and borehole image log analysis down to 244 m document highly fractured volcaniclastic deposits and basalt flows. Intervening ash layers truncate the vertical extent of most structures. However, large strike slip faults with well-developed fault cores and associated high fracture density cross ash layers; vein filling and alternation of the adjacent host rock in these faults suggest they act as vertically extensive flow paths. These faults and associated fractures record repeated slip, dilation, and healing by various dolomite, quartz, and hematite, as well as clay alteration, indicative of long-lived, localized fluid flow. In addition, where these rocks are altered by igneous intrusion, they host high fracture density that facilitated heat transfer evidenced by associated hydrothermal alteration. Breakouts in image logs indicate the azimuth of SHmax in the shear zone is broadly consistent with both the GPS plate convergence velocity field as well as seismically active strike slip faults and strike-slip faults mapped in outcrop and borehole image logs. However, the local orientation of SHmax varies by position relative to the edifice and in some cases with depth along the borehole making a simple regional average SHmax azimuth misleading. Boreholes within the seismic zone display a wider variety of fracture attitudes than those outside the shear zone, potentially promoting permeability. Temperature profiles in these wells all indicate isothermal conditions at average groundwater temperatures, consistent with rapidly flowing water localized within fractures. Together, these results indicate that the area north of Mount Saint Helens generates and maintains porosity and permeability suggesting that conditions necessary for a geothermal system are present, although as yet no modern heat source or hydrothermal circulation was detected at shallow depth.
Temple University--Theses

The MH-2 science drill hole, on Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, was drilled in 2012 to a total depth 1821 m as part of Project Hotspot. It encountered flowing artesian thermal water at 1,745 m below ground surface. This signature of a potential blind high temperature geothermal resource indicates that further analyses are needed to characterize the resource. Whole rock core was recovered to a total depth of 1821 m below ground surface and a suite of wireline logs collected. In this thesis I describe the lithologies represented in the core, correlate these lithologies to outcrop analogs, and identify and characterize petrophysical properties observable within the wireline logs, which represent fine-scale variations in stratigraphy, composition and/or alteration. The lithologies in the core are a series of basalts, brecciated and altered basalt, basaltic sands, carbonate-rich muds, and siliciclastic sediments. Basalt flows with evidence of increasing influence of an aqueous environment with time typify the lower half of core, whereas the upper half represents a period of diminished volcanism, lacustrine depositional environment, and a catastrophic water overflow event. The top of the core represents a resurgence of basaltic volcanism in the area. An overprint of brecciation at depth, fracturing, and secondary mineralization records the history of the geothermal system. All the elements of a relatively shallow and potentially energy generating geothermal resource are present at the MH-2 well location. These new data from the MH-2 borehole contributes to evaluating a parallel geothermal risk assessment of the Snake River Plain. Play fairway analysis was implemented for perhaps the first time in a geothermal regime. The Snake River Plain was divided up into three distinct play types; the area surrounding the Mountain Home Air Force Base was systematically identified as prospective. A region where sedimentary and altered rocks may create a seal, and blind faults create porosity in deep basalts.

This work has developed a conceptual geological model for the Pilgrim Hot Springs geothermal system supporting the exploration, assessment and potential development of this resource for direct use and electric power production. The development of this model involved the analysis of a variety of subsurface and geophysical data and the construction of a 3D lithostratigraphic block model. Interpretation of the data and block model aimed to establish the most likely scenario for subsurface geothermal fluid flow. As part of this work, well cuttings were analyzed for permeability and correlated with geophysical logs from well to well to constrain the stratigraphic architecture of the unconsolidated sediments. Hydrothermal alteration of the sediments and bedrock core was also studied through reflectance spectroscopy and methylene blue titration in order to investigate past fluid migration pathways. The structure of the basin was interpreted through geophysical surveys including aeromagnetic resistivity, isostatic gravity, and magnetotelluric resistivity. Based on temperature, well logs, geophysical surveys, and lithologic data, the system is subdivided into a shallow outflow aquifer and a deeper reservoir beneath a clay cap connected by a conduit with 91°C hydrothermal fluid upflow. Stratigraphic correlations indicate several clay layers throughout the section with a dominant clay cap at 200-275 m depth. Extensive pyritization and the clay mineral assemblage suggest an argillic-style alteration facies indicative of past temperatures at or slightly elevated above current conditions of hydrothermal activity at Pilgrim Hot Springs. The conceptual model supports production from this resource in those subsurface zones where there is sufficient permeability and connectivity with the upflow zone.

Geothermal energy consumption is projected to increase along with other renewable energy in the future. Therefore, it is important to have a better understanding on the evolution of geothermal systems to optimize the exploitation of such resources. Generally, numerical models are used as a fundamental tool to study a potential geothermal field. However, current modeling practices tend to focus on the shallow area around the heat source, while ignoring the deeper part below the heat source. The purpose of this project is to observe the influence of lower boundary at the bottom of intrusion towards the evolution of geothermal system, while changing the permeability and topography of host rock systematically, using a software from USGS called HYDROTHERM. Simulations differed in three main aspects: 1) having a layer below, or having the bottom boundary directly below intrusion, 2) different topographies with volcanic significance, and 3) varying permeabilities of the host rock. The study is based on a fossil geothermal system, the Cerro Bayo laccolith in Chachahuén volcanic complex (Neuquén Basin), Argentina. The input parameters were obtained in several ways. ILMAT Geothermometry analysis provide the temperature value related to the intrusion. The whole rock data is used to determined density of the intrusion by calculating partial molar volume of the oxides. The other parameters, e.g. densities of the host rock and the impermeable layer, permeability, porosity, and thermal conductivity were obtained from literature. The result from numerical modeling shows that the bottom boundary below intrusion strongly affect the entire system evolution. The added layer (with constant permeability) has strong influence on the life-span of the system. Additionally, while taking into account on the variation of topography and permeabilities, the models show two temperature anomalies: 1) A caldera volcano’s geometry “traps” heat below the caldera, whereas shield and strato-volcano geometries “push” heat away from below the volcanic edifice, and 2) a low temperature anomaly develops beneath the intrusion in all high permeability models with an added layer. Finally, this assessment could prove to be useful as prior knowledge for optimizing the extraction of heat from a given geothermal field, as well as future investigations towards geological applicability of numerical models of geothermal systems, hydrothermal alteration, and ore formation processes.

This study assessed the geologic setting of the Soda Lake geothermal field, which lies in the southern part of the Carson Sink basin of northwestern Nevada within the Basin and Range of the western USA. The Basin and Range is a world-class geothermal province with significant untapped potential, particularly in blind (no surface hot springs or steam vents) geothermal systems. Blind systems probably comprise the majority of geothermal resources in the region, with many lying buried under thick accumulations of sediments in the broad basins that make up >50% of the province. Locating fault-hosted blind geothermal systems in these basins is challenging, and identifying the most prospective parts of these systems is even more demanding. The Soda Lake geothermal field is one of the more deeply buried known systems in this region. This study was undertaken to elucidate the stratigraphic and structural framework of the Soda Lake field, and to determine the probable controls on fluid flow in the production areas. Due to the depth of basin-fill sediments at the Soda Lake field, the structural setting and specific controls on fluid flow are not discernable at the surface. However, the Soda Lake geothermal field has produced electricity for over 30 years, and a wealth of subsurface data has been acquired since the field was first targeted for geothermal exploration in 1972-73. The abundant well data and geophysical surveys in particular provided a foundation for investigation of the geologic setting of the field.

This study was divided into three major parts. In the initial part of the study, a stratigraphic framework was developed for the Soda Lake area from analysis of cuttings, borehole geophysical logs, and radiometric dates of key igneous units. It was validated against exposed stratigraphic sections in the surrounding ranges and interpreted basin-fill sections derived from wells across the Carson Sink basin. Pursuant to this in the second part of the study, a comprehensive 3D geologic model of the Soda Lake field was construct from three inputs: 1) the new stratigraphic framework model, 2) bedding attitude estimates from seismic reflection surveys and borehole logs, and 3) a fault framework derived from both well data and geophysical surveys. The Soda Lake fault framework had been modeled from seismic reflection and borehole data in previous studies. In this study, one of the seismic fault pick sets was enhanced along strike and extended to >2 km depth using well data and forward modeled gravity. This enhanced fault framework served as the initial input to the Soda Lake geologic model. A ‘horizon model’ based on stratigraphic well intercepts and attitude data was then built around the fault framework to generate a 3D geologic block model for the Soda Lake field. In the final phase of this study, the Soda Lake temperature anomaly was modeled in a series of cross-sections extracted from the geologic model. The temperature anomaly was interpreted in context with the geologic model and production data in order to identify the main upwelling and outflow conduits. Key controls on fluid upwelling and probable fluid flow pathways were catalogued based on the spatial relationship between the temperature anomaly and the geologic model of the field area.

There are three major stratigraphic divisions at the Soda Lake geothermal field. The field is situated in and beneath ∼900-1100 m of unconsolidated basin-fill sediments. The basin-fill section is divided into an upper 300-500 m thick, relatively coarse-grained, quartzo-feldspathic unit, and a lower ∼150-300 m thick mud-rich unit. The unconsolidated basin fill is interrupted by a 5.1 Ma trachyandesite body that is up to ∼750 m thick in the central part of the Soda Lake well field. The body consists of a buried vent edifice near one of the main production wells, 50-90 m thick outflow aprons, and a conical root on the west side of the well field that can be traced to the Miocene bedrock contact. About 1 km of Miocene bedrock underlies the basin-fill section. The Miocene bedrock section is dominated by mafic lavas, interbedded with lesser tuff, clastic sedimentary rocks, and minor limestone. No early Miocene or Oligocene strata have been found at the Soda Lake field area. The middle to late Miocene section overlies Triassic-Jurassic metamorphic basement and Jurassic-Cretaceous granite. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.)

The transition between the two distinct structural regimes of the Walker Lane and the Basin and Range allows for complex transtensional fault interactions. The Carson Sink is the surface expression of the interaction of shear and extensional strains that cause both crustal extension and block rotation. This study investigates this tectonic shift at the Soda Lake geothermal field by comparing the direction and rate of deformation from both regional GPS and a 34 sq km 3D seismic survey. The GPS stations in the region estimate the strain field by comparing tensor solutions that show changing direction and magnitude of strain across the Carson Sink. Using stations surrounding the Soda Lake 3D seismic survey, the strain tensor produced is comparable in orientation to Basin and Range strain but has larger magnitudes. To quantify deformation within the Soda Lake 3D seismic survey, we calculate fault dip and offset of a deformed paleo-planer lacustrine mudstone. Plotting the mean dip direction of the faults in the seismic reflectivity, matches the mean surrounding GPS extensional direction, suggesting fault displacement is likely to be normal dipslip. Using a minimum age of 0.51 Ma from nearby sedimentation rates, the measured extension across the 5.4 km length of this study has a rate of 0.19 mm/yr. This is quite a high value for Basin and Range extension and it is likely a result of some influence from the Northern Walker Lane. The lack of an obvious piercing point for shear observed within the seismic volume precludes a clear estimate of strike-slip related motion within the Soda Lake 3D seismic survey. Clear extension and a large fault bend, indicates a localized relay ramp model. With focused extension indicated by two late Quaternary extrusive volcanic bodies, a model of a transtensional pull-apart basin is also considered. Given the few mapped intrabasinal faults at the surface, this study gives a unique view into fault offsets inside the Carson Sink.

Sub-volcanic intrusions can form an extensive network of sills, dikes and other intrusion types that make up a plumbing system beneath volcanoes. Such intrusions are the heat source for high-temperature geothermal systems in volcanic areas and therefore, it is of great importance to study them in relation to geothermal exploration and production. In this thesis a part of the plumbing system of Breiðuvík caldera, an eroded central volcano in northeastern Iceland, is studied. A set of magmatic intrusions showing a great range in size and shapes, is exposed in Leirfjall, a mountain composed of the eroded caldera infill of the Breiðuvík volcanic system. Data from these intrusions and their host rock is used as the foundation for numerical modeling using finite element method (FEM) constructed in this thesis. The numerical modeling assumes heat transfer in porous media including conduction and convection where fluid flow is governed by the Darcy‘s law. The aims of it is to compare the cooling times of different intrusions and the temperature distribution caused by intrusions of different sizes and shapes. To obtain input parameters for the numerical modeling, a thermometry study based on the mineral chemistry of the magmatic intrusions in Leirfjall is conducted and the thermal and physical properties of the sedimentary host rock are estimated, while literature values are used for basaltic lava and hyaloclastite host rocks for comparison. The results of the numerical modeling suggest that higher maximum values of increased temperature are reached above one thick intrusions compared to multiple thinner intrusions. When comparing dikes and sills, the dikes raise the maximum temperature of the host rock more than the sills, while the sills raise the average temperature above the intrusions more than dikes. Results of the estimated heat transfer from an arrangement of intrusions similar to what is observed in Leirfjall suggests that a significant increase in maximum increased temperature caused by the intrusions would be short-lived, while the average increase would still be constant over a longer time. Despite of the simplified structure of the numerical models it is the hope that they will provide inspiring data for further research and contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the shallow magmatic intrusions and geothermal systems.
Vulkaner är en viktig energikälla i många länder runt om i världen. Geotermisk vätska och ånga av högtemperatur som finns i vulkanområden kan utnyttjas för bland annat elproduktion och fjärrvärme. Värmekällan till de geotermiska områdena är magma som ligger ytligt i jordskorpan. All magma når inte ytan i utbrott, utan stannar under vulkanen i form av magmaintrusioner. Intrusionerna av olika former och storlekar utgör ett nätverk som tillsammans utgör vulkanens magma transportsystem. I denna studie studeras en uppsättning av magmaintrusioner på nordöstra Island. Intrusionerna har en gång befunnit sig längre ner i jordskorpan under ett aktivt vulkanområde men exponeras nu vid ytan på grund av glacial erosion. Intrusionernas storlek och form varierar, men de flesta återfinns som gångar, både vertikala och horisontella. När en magmatintrusion bildas värms omkringliggande berggrund och grundvatten upp. Studiens fokus är att undersöka hur temperaturfördelningen i omgivningen skiljer sig vid en stor intrusion jämfört med flera mindre intrusioner med totalt samma volym. Även effekten från olika typer av berggrund runt intrusionerna studerades genom att jämföra temperaturfördelningen och kylningstiderna för intrusioner i tre vanliga bergarter. Numerisk modellering användades för att besvara dessa frågor. Bergarternas fysiska och termiska egenskaper krävdes som ingångsparametrar för den numeriska modelleringen. Parametrana uppskattades genom laboratorieexperiment och termometriberäkningar från fältprover. Värden från publicerat material användes också i modelleringen. Resultaten från den numeriska modelleringen antyder att högre maximivärden för temperaturen nås i berget över en stor, enskild intrusion jämfört med flera mindre intrusioner. När man jämför vertikala og horisontella gångar, ökar de vertikala gångarna berggrundens temperatur mer än de horisontella, medan medeltemperaturen ökar mer över horisontella gångar än i vertikala gångar. Trots den numeriska modellens förenklade struktur är förhoppningen att den nya datan kan inspirera vidare forskning, och bidra till en bättre förståelse om förhållandet mellan grunda magmaintrusioner och geotermiska system.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source which has not yet had the same breakthrough as other renewables, e.g. solar PV and wind. There may still be some technical issues to be solved before geothermal can reach its full potential.One of these technical challenges concerns reinjection, i.e. the return of geothermal fluids back into the ground after surface energy extraction. In traditional geothermal energy utilization, hot geothermal fluid is brought up from underground reservoirs to the surface. Depending on the design of the power plant, the fluid can either be kept one-phased or get separated into two phases, i.e. hot steam and water. Hot steam, or vapor of another working fluid, is used to drive electricity generating turbines. Whether the condensate is returned back into to the ground after energy extraction, i.e. reinjected, is nowadays usually a matter of how rather than if. However, the magnitude and strategy varies in countries as well as for specific power plant operators.From a sustainable management perspective, the majority of operators as well as scientist agree that reinjection is the best way practice in order to take care of a resource and leave the smallest possible environmental footprint. However, it is a quite complicated and not always problem free operation. There are numerous examples where reinjection has led to complications such as scaling, induced seismicity and cooling of the reservoir. The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of geothermal reinjection from a neutral third-party perspective, e.g. by describing current obstacles and negative as well as positive outcomes. The aim is to conclude whether current technology is enough to successfully reinject, or if there are still some gaps of knowledge to fill. The method consists partly of a literature study of previously written technical reports but also of interviews with experts in the area. In addition, the study summarizes the legal framework regarding reinjection in some geothermal active countries, e.g. if it is required by law or not. Although currently technology is enough to do a fairly good job at reinjecting geothermal fluids, the result of the study also shows that there are still some technical barriers to overcome in order to fully optimize it. However, it remains the best currently known way to keep geothermal energy sustainable. Better technologies will be needed in order for geothermal to reach its fully green potential.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2008.
"December, 2008." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 82-85). Library also has microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [2009]. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

The Mountain Home (MH) geothermal system of the western Snake River Plain (SRP) magmatic province was discovered in 2012 by the Snake River Geothermal Drilling Project. Artesian flowing water with a temperature of 150°C was encountered at a depth of 1745 m below ground surface (mbgs) and extensive mineralized fracture networks of pectolite-prehnite, calcite, and laumontite were discovered in the recovered core. The objectives of this study are to: 1) describe the thermal and compositional history of past geothermal fluids, and 2) compare these fluids to modern fluids in order to characterize the evolution of the MH geothermal system and the geothermal potential of the western SRP. Core observations, thin section petrography, X-ray diffraction, and Electron Microprobe analyses were performed in order to describe mineral parageneses of various alteration zones. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope ratios along with temperatures of homogenization from fluid inclusions in hydrothermally precipitated calcite were measured along ~100 m of basalt core from 1709-1809 mbgs. The d13CPDB values in calcite range from -7.2 to -0.43 ‰ and d18OPDB values range between -20.5 and -15.9 ‰. An anomalous zone from 1722-1725 m depth displays a range in d13CPDB and d18OPDB of -1.9 to +0.88 ‰ and -17.1 to -8.1 ‰, respectively, suggesting non-equilibrium fractionation due to boiling. Carbon isotopic ratios suggest a mixture of deep-seated mantle derived and meteoric fluids. Fluid inclusion microthermometry has identified primary inclusions with trapping temperatures ranging from 168-368°C. A calcite-water geothermometer used to calculate paleo-fluid oxygen isotopic composition (-0.43 to +7.2 ‰ SMOW) and a comparison with present-day fluid oxygen isotopic composition (-3.2 ‰ SMOW) reveals a cooling trend with potential mixing of meteoric waters and deeply derived fluid. The MH geothermal system has cooled over time and reflects potentially less, if any magmatic fluid input presently into the system as there was in the past.

The Snake River Plain is located in the southern part of the state of Idaho. The eastern plain, on which this study focuses, is a trail of volcanics from the Yellowstone hotspot. Three exploratory geothermal wells were drilled on the Snake River Plain. This project analyzes basaltic core from the first well at Kimama, north of Burley, Idaho. The objectives of this project are to establish zones of geothermal alteration and analyze the potential for geothermal power production using sub-aquifer resources on the axial volcanic zone of the Snake River Plain. Thirty samples from 1,912 m of core were sampled and analyzed for clay content and composition using X-ray diffraction. Observations from core samples and geophysical logs are also used to establish alteration zones. Mineralogical data, geophysical log data and physical characteristics of the core suggest that the base of the Snake River Plain aquifer at the axial zone is located 960m below the surface, much deeper than previously suspected. Swelling smectite clay clogs pore spaces and reduces porosity and permeability to create a natural base to the aquifer. Increased temperatures favor the formation of smectite clay and other secondary minerals to the bottom of the hole. Below 960 m the core shows signs of alteration including color change, formation of clay, and filling of other secondary minerals in vesicles and fractured zones of the core. The smectite clay observed is Fe-rich clay that is authigenic in some places. Geothermal power generation may be feasible using a low temperature hot water geothermal system if thermal fluids can be attained near the bottom of the Kimama well. (113 pages)

Geology
M.S.
Identifying and locating permeable zones in geothermal fields is a critical step in determining reservoir potential and realizing energy production. Despite a general association with active faults, geothermal systems typically display heterogeneously distributed permeability that makes locating successful wells difficult. Faults are associated with complex distributions of secondary fractures, with variable attitude, fracture density, and connectivity – all of which can influence permeability. Simulations of the local stress state due to slip on a detailed model of the fault system at Brady Geothermal Field, NV, supported by models of key idealized fault geometries, are used to test the relationship between both productive wells or hydrothermal features and failed wells with stress states that promote or suppress fracture. These simulations show that hydrothermal features are generally associated with portions of faults best oriented to slip in the stress state measured at Brady. Critically, regions of enhanced coulomb stress (S_c^((max))) and reduced least compressive principal stress (σ3) that promote fractures occur at narrow, extensional relays and at intersections between faults; at Brady such locations correlate with the locations of production wells and hydrothermal surface manifestations. Despite this positive correlation, several of these structures do not host evidence of hydrothermal flow due to a lack of persistence along the dip of the fault necessary to connect to the heat source at depth. In contrast, regions of reduced S_c^((max)) and enhanced σ3 correspond to volumes that lie near the interior of faults, including at bends and at contractional relays. These locations are generally associated with failed wells; however, major production wells occur at a clear bend in a large fault at Brady. This may reflect the origin of the bend as breached relay and warrants further investigation.
Temple University--Theses

Edremit geothermal field with 42-62 °
C discharge temperatures is utilized for space heating. Alternation of permeable and impermeable units created two superimposed aquifers in the area: upper unconfined and lower confined. Water samples from 21 (hot, warm, cold) wells were taken in this study. 8 of these wells penetrate the deeper confined, while 13 penetrate the shallower unconfined aquifer. Geochemical analysis revealed Na+K&ndash
SO4 nature for the hot (>
40°
C), Ca&ndash
HCO3 nature for the cold (<
30°
C) and Ca&ndash
SO4 nature for the warm (30-40°
C) waters. &delta
18O-&delta
D compositions point to a meteoric origin for all waters, while 14C analyses suggest longer subsurface residence times for the hot, compared to the cold/warm waters. Chemical and isotopic compositions indicate that &ldquo
mixing&rdquo
and &ldquo
water-rock interaction&rdquo
are the possible subsurface processes. When silica and cation geothermometers are evaluated together with fluid mineral equilibria calculations, a 110°
C reservoir temperature is expected in the field. Saturation indices indicate potential silica scaling for waters at temperatures lower than discharge temperatures. Hydrogeology of the study area is highly affected by faults. The groundwater is percolated (down to 3 km depth) via deep seated step faults, heated at depth and ascends to surface at the low lands, especially through intersection of buried, mid-graben faults. During its ascent towards surface, geothermal water invades the two superimposed aquifers and mixing between hot and cold waters takes place in the aquifers. Resource assessment studies suggest a 3.45x1013 kJ accessible resource base and 9.1 MWt recoverable heat energy for Edremit geothermal field with 90% probability.

Lichen have been used as indicators of atmospheric pollutants since Grindon (1859) observed lichen populations declining in a polluted Southern Lancashire in the mid-1800s. Since then lichen have been used in a number of atmospheric studies. A study by Tozer et al. (2005) attempted to use nitrogen isotopes of lichen and free-living algae as indicators of geothermal ‘pollution’ near Rotorua and the Te Kopia Geothermal Area, but was unable to show a correlation with distance to geothermal features. This thesis aims to build from Tozer et al. (2005) and use both carbon and nitrogen isotopes in lichen as an exploration tool in geothermal areas. Three transects were completed: one across the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth (non-geothermally influenced area), and two along (north-south) and across (east-west) the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) in the North Island (geothermally influenced area). In addition to these three transects, sampling at higher spatial resolution was conducted in the immediate vicinity of the Orakonui Stream geothermal springs at the Ngatamariki Geothermal Area. The three transects showed large variation, largely due to the type of land use from which the sample was collected. The highest nitrogen contents (1.62 ± 0.39%) and less negative nitrogen isotopic compositions (-9.44 ± 0.39‰) were found over farmland, while both exotic and native forests had low nitrogen (1.08 ± 0.35% and 1.03 ± 0.44‰, respectively) and highly negative isotopic compositions (-12.94 ± 0.26‰ and -12.09 ± 0.45‰, respectively). The statistical difference between land use classes is hypothetically explained by variations in nitrogen sources, with intensive farmland volatilizing NH3 with δ15N values of -6 to -10‰ (Tozer et al., 2005), while forest areas are expected to produce biogenic nitrogen from decomposition with more negative δ15N. At Ngatamariki, δ13C and δ15N isoscapes were produced, with both showing a large isotopic anomaly (>-23.5 and >-8‰, respectively) to the north and north-west of the study area, correlating with areas of farmland, although in some places the δ15N values exceed 0‰, which is unexplained. A study by Hanson (2014) identified diffuse soil flux using δ13C in the vicinity of the Orakonui South Main Crater to have a geothermal signature, the same location in which a small relatively less-negative δ13C anomaly (>-23.5‰) is seen in lichen isotopes. While this could be attributed to a geothermal influence, it could also be due to the effect of substrate the lichen lives on and a reduction in carbon sourced from biogenic respiration. Ultimately, there is the potential for isotopes in lichen to be used as a geothermal exploration tool, although this method needs to be investigated in a higher flux geothermal area, such as Rotokawa, 7km to the south of Ngatamariki.

Geothermal reservoirs have become very popular in the last decades due to their renewable energy contents. Turkey has a high geothermal energy potential
especially Western Anatolia is a promising region in terms of its highest energy. Bü
yü
k Menderes Graben system is a tectonically active extensional region and is undergoing a N&ndash
S extension leading to form geothermal fields in the graben. In the last decade, geothermal exploration, investigations and investments have been increased rapidly through the law related to geothermal energy assigned. The aim of this study is to analyze the geothermal fields located in the graben system in order to investigate their geological, hydrogeological and geochemical features and reservoir characteristics. A data set is compiled from the accessible archives, published papers and documents and several variables have been searched at every field in the graben. The variables include the fluid temperature, the distance to sea, the depth to the reservoir, the reservoir lithology, the chemical constituents, etc. In view of these variables the fields are compared and constrasted and their common characterisrics have been noted. Interpretation of the data set reveals that the fields have some common features and characters however some fields have got notable differences.

This thesis aims to predict the probable undiscovered geothermal systems through investigation of spatial relation between geothermal occurrences and its surrounding geological phenomenon in Western Anatolia. In this context, four different public data, which are epicenter map, lineament map, Bouger gravity anomaly and magnetic anomaly maps, are utilized. In order to extract the necessary information for each map layer the raw public data is converted to a synthetic data which are directly used in the analysis. Synthetic data employed during the investigation process include Gutenberg-Richter b-value map, distance to lineaments map and distance to major grabens present in the area. Thus, these three layers including directly used magnetic anomaly maps are combined by means of Boolean logic model and Weights of Evidence method (WofE), which are multicriteria decision methods, in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment. Boolean logic model is based on the simple logic of Boolean operators, while the WofE model depends on the Bayesian probability. Both of the methods use binary maps for their analysis. Thus, the binary map classification is the key point of the analysis. In this study three different binary map classification techniques are applied and thus three output maps were obtained for each of the method. The all resultant maps are evaluated within and among the methods by means of success indices. The findings reveal that the WofE method is better predictor than the Boolean logic model and that the third binarization approach, which is named as optimization procedure in this study, is the best estimator of binary classes due to obtained success indices. Finally, three output maps of each method are combined and the favorable areas in terms of geothermal potential are produced. According to the final maps the potential sites appear to be Aydin, Denizli and Manisa, of which first two have been greatly explored and exploited since today and thus not surprisingly found as potential in the output maps, while Manisa when compared to first two is nearly virgin.

The aim of this report was to do a case study at a geothermal heating system which has been in operation for about 5 years, and study if its performance has changed during this period of time. A literature study about the processes involved was also done in purpose of background knowledge.

The tenant-owner’s association Duvan at Petterslundsgatan in Uppsala installed year 1999-2000 a geothermal heating system. The purpose of this installation was that they hoped it would lead to a smaller usage of district heating which would lead to a reduction of the heating expenses for their buildings. The geothermal heating system consists of 19 energy wells and 4 geothermal heat pumps, and it is one of the first systems of that size in the region of Uppsala. Due to that, the system at Duvan is referred to as a reference project for geothermal heating system of this size. The reason that the study was made after 5 years is that it takes about 5 years before the heat equilibrium in the bedrock has been stabilized after a geothermal heat system has been installed. The temperature in the bedrock will decrease during this 5 year period and the performance of the system will change.

In this report factors such as geology, groundwater levels and temperature changes are examined to get a summery of the processes that extract heat from the bedrock and convert it to conventional energy. Data from the compressors has been examined, energy usage before and after the installation of the system has been compared and finally an economical calculation of the tenant-owner’s association energy consumption has been made. All the main points in this report point to the fact that the system is working properly and that it has contributed to an economical benefit regarding to the energy usage.

Syftet med detta examensarbete var att göra en fallstudie på ett befintligt bergvärmesystem som har varit i drift i 5 år, och studera om dess prestanda har förändrats under den tid som systemet använts. Som bakgrund genomfördes även en litteraturstudie över de processer som äger rum då geotermisk energi kan utvinnas samt hur denna energi konverteras till konventionell energi för uppvärmning av lokaler.

Bostadsrättsföreningen Duvan på Petterslundsgatan i Uppsala installerade under år 1999-2000 ett bergvärmesystem som skulle leda till ett mindre användande av fjärrvärme och således bidra till att utgifterna för inköp av energi skulle minska. Systemet består av 19 energibrunnar och 4 värmepumpar, och är en av de första anläggningarna av denna storlek i Uppsala regionen. Detta gör att Bostadsrättsföreningen Duvan ses som ett referensobjekt för anläggningar av denna storlek. Anledningen till att studien gjordes vid denna tidpunkt var att det tar ungefär 5 år innan värmebalansen i berggrunden stabiliseras när ett bergvärmesystem installeras, och temperaturen i berggrunden kommer under denna period minska vilket leder till prestandaförändringar hos värmepumpen. Denna femårsperiod har nu gått och en relevant undersökning av systemet har kunnat göras.

I denna rapport beskrivs bakomliggande parametrar så som geologi, grundvattennivåer och temperaturförändringar som behövs för att få en överblick över situationen och kunna ge en inblick i vad som påverkar utvinningen av energi i berggrunden. Data från kompressorernas drifttider och förbrukning av energi före och efter installationen av bergvärmesystemet jämförs och slutligen görs en ekonomisk kalkyl för bostadsrättsföreningens energiförbrukning. Alla de punkter som rapporten undersöker visar att systemet fungerar väl och att det bidragit till en ekonomisk vinst med avseende på energianvändandet.

There has recently been a steady increase in the number of licenses granted for the abstraction of water from the Chalk aquifer beneath London to supply "open loop" geothermal systems (Environment Agency, 2007). However, there has been little research conducted on how the water re-injected by these systems, which often differs in temperature by as much as 10°C, will interact with the fractured Chalk aquifer in both the short and long term. An analytical solution developed by Bodvarsson (1989) was used to show that, for most configurations of a geothermal system, thermal transport would be governed by fractures. It was then proved that the United States Geological Survey SUTRA code could be used to construct a more detailed model of the aquifer. A thermal test was devised to collect hydrogeological and thermal data. This test, along with conventional site investigation techniques, was used at a site in central London. A detailed numerical model of the geothermal system and the aquifer was then constructed in SUTRA. The results showed that the fracture zones found during testing would affect the system performance. Building on these results a procedure was developed for designers, to ensure such systems function in an appropriate way.

The work in this thesis was based on analyzing water samples collected from three exploratory boreholes drilled during Project Hotspot. The water samples were analyzed for their chemical properties. The chemical properties of the water samples were used as a basis for further analysis.Geophysical logs, mainly temperature logs, were also analyzed for this project. Temperature logs measure temperature in relation to depth within a borehole.All the analyses were made in order to estimate the geothermal potential of the project areas. The exploratory boreholes were all drilled in different areas and each had unique characteristics. The Mountain Home borehole provided the most promising evidence for future geothermal potential. Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy and potential production areas are difficult and expensive to locate.

The Alvord Valley Known Geothermal Resources Area (KGRA) , located east of the Steens Mountain-Pueblo Mountains fault block in southeastern Oregon, is within the northern Basin and Range province. This investigation focuses on three thermal areas in the Alvord Basin: Borax Lake and the hot springs north of Borax Lake, Alvord Hot Springs and Mickey Springs. Mickey Springs and the springs north of Borax Lake are boiling at the surface (94 and 95° C, respectively). Inflow temperatures to Borax Lake, measured at a depth of 30 m, are greater than 100° C. Surface temperatures for Alvord Hot Springs and a flowing well northeast of Borax Lake are 78 and 59° C, respectively. Thermal fluids issue from Quaternary lacustrine and alluvial deposits. While silica sinter deposits are present at all three thermal areas, sinter is not presently being deposited. Minor calcite is being deposited at the springs north of Borax Lake. The springs discharge from N to NEstriking, high-angle, basin-bounding faults along the base of Steens Mountain and Mickey Mountain and NE-striking intrabasinal faults south of Alvord Lake. The thermal waters are dilute sodium-bicarbonate waters with significant amounts of sulfate and chloride. Conservative element plots (B, F, and Li vs. Cl) indicate good correlation between Cl and the other conservative elements. These correlations could result from mixing of thermal water with a dilute cold water or fluid evolution due to increased fluid-rock interaction, evaporation, and steam loss due to boiling. The small variations in chloride concentrations of thermal fluids during the sampling period argues against mixing of thermal fluids with cold water. The geothermal system is a hot-water rather than a vapordominated system. The ỎD content of thermal fluids is similar to the ỎD content of local cold water wells, springs, basinal pore fluids at a depth of 4 to 5 m, and perennial streams. Similarities in ỎD values indicate recharge for geothermal fluids is precipitation from the Steens Mountain fault block. The Ỏ18 content of thermal fluids is shifted 2 to 3°/oo to the right of the world meteoric water line indicating fluid-rock interaction at elevated temperatures in the reservoir. Tritium contents indicate relatively long residence times and/or low-velocity circulation of meteoric water through basement rocks. Values range from 0 to 0.25 T.U. The application of two end-member models, which calculate fluid residence times, generate a minimum of 57 years and a maximum of greater than 10,000 years. Estimated reservoir temperatures based on cation and silica geothermometry are between 170 and 200°C. Oxygensulfate isotope geothermometer estimates indicate reservoir temperatures between 198 and 207' C for Borax Lake and Alvord Hot Springs. Mickey Springs and a flowing well northeast of Borax Lake yield temperature estimates of 168 and 150° C, respectively. These values indicate partial reequilibration of the isotopic system. The Ỏ13C contents of carbon dioxide and methane of gas discharges from the thermal areas are similar to geothermal fluids from other sites. The Ỏ13C of methane indicate "normal" geothermal methane for Alvord Hot Springs and Mickey Springs (-27.8 and -27.6, respectively). The Ỏ13C of CH4 for springs north of Borax Lake (-33.6) indicates a small amount of thermogenic methane may be contributed by thermal alteration of organics in basinal sediments. The Ỏ13C contents for C02 at Alvord Hot Springs and Borax Lake are within the range expected for atmospheric, fumarolic, or mantle derived C02 (-6.5 and -6.6, respectively). The Ỏ13C content of C02 from Mickey Springs is isotopically lighter than gas released from fumaroles or the mantle (-9.4). N2/Ar ratios for Mickey Springs and Borax Lake gases (39.2 and 40.8, respectively) indicate interaction with airsaturated ground water during flow through the the zone of aeration. Helium is enriched relative to Ar and N2 in gas discharges from Alvord Hot Springs, indicating longer fluid residence times and/or increased crustal interaction at high temperatures. Ratios of B/Cl indicate the fluid reservoir is hosted in volcanic rocks. The Li/Cs ratios for the Borax Lake thermal area are consistent with a reservoir located in rhyoli tic rocks. The 228Ra/226Ra content of Borax Lake thermal fluids (1.14 ± 0.13 dpm/kg) indicates interaction with volcanic rocks for Borax Lake. The 228Ra/226Ra content of thermal fluids from Alvord Hot Springs and Mickey Springs (0.38~0.02 and 0.17 ~ 0.09) are lower than those expected for volcanic rocks and may indicate local uranium accumulation in the reservoir or zones of upflow. The 87Sr / 86Sr values for thermal waters and stratigraphic uni ts indicate the fluid reservoir is located in volcanic rocks beneath Steens Basalt. Equilibration of fluids in these units argues for thermal water circulation depths of 2 to 2.5 km in the Borax Lake thermal area, greater than 3 km in the Alvord Hot Springs area and 1 to 2 km in the Mickey Springs area. Data presented in this study do not preclude a single large deep reservoir system discharging at these three thermal areas in the Alvord basin. Differences in the chemical and isotopic composition of discharge from the three thermal areas are produced during upf low from the reservoir. During upflow, thermal waters follow a complex pathway of vertical and lateral fractures which includes short residence times in shallow reservoirs before reaching the surface. Boiling, mixing with condensate, oxidation, mixing with 1-3% tritium-bearing, near-surface cold water, relative differences in flow rate and volume, and slow cooling without vigorous boiling are processes that modify fluid composition during upflow from the deep geothermal reservoir.

Geology
M.S.
Slip on the geometrically complex Rhyolite Ridge Fault System and associated local stresses in the Desert Peak Geothermal Field in Nevada, were modeled with the boundary element method (BEM) implemented in Poly3D. The impact of uncertainty in the fault geometry at depth, the tectonic stresses driving slip, and the potential ranges of frictional strength resisting slip on the likely predictions of fracture slip and formation in the surrounding volume due to these local stresses were systematically explored and quantified. The effect of parameter uncertainty was evaluated by determining the frequency distribution of model predicted values. Alternatively, Bayesian statistics were used to determine the best fitting values for parameters within a probability distribution derived from the difference of the model prediction from the observed data. This approach honors the relative contribution of uncertainties from all existing data that constrains the fault parameters. Lastly, conceptual models for different fault geometries and their evolution were heuristically explored and the predictions of local stress states were compared to available measurements of the local stresses, fault and fracture patterns at the surface and in boreholes, and the spatial extent of the geothermal field. The complex fault geometry leads to a high degree of variability in the locations experiencing stress states that promote fracture, but such locations generally correlate with the main injection and production wells at Desert Peak. In addition, the strongest and most common stress concentrations occur within relays between unconnected fault segments, and at bends and intersections in faults that connect overlapping fault segments associated with relays. The modeling approach in this study tests the conceptual model of the fault geometry at Desert Peak while honoring mechanical constants and available constraints on driving stresses and provides a framework that aids in geothermal exploration by predicting the spatial variations in stresses likely to cause and reactivate fractures necessary to sustain hydrothermal fluid flow. This approach also quantifies the relative sensitivity of such predictions to fault geometry, remote stress, and friction, and determines the best fitting model with its associated probability.
Temple University--Theses

This study aims to determine the chemical (anion-cation) and isotopic compositions (&
#948
18O-&
#948
D-3H) of the geothermal waters along the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) and highlight any possible seismicity-induced temporal variations during the course of two years (2002-2003) monitoring programme. The geothermal sites are alligned along a 800 km transect of the NAFZ and are, from west to east, Yalova, Efteni, Bolu, Mudurnu, Seben, KurSunlu, Hamamö
zü
, Gö
zlek and ReSadiye. The thermal waters of NAFZ are dominantly Na-HCO3, whereas the cold waters are dominantly Ca-HCO3 in character. The highest temperature (72.3&
#61616
C) is recorded in Seben. The hot waters are slightly acidic to alkaline in character with pH values ranging between 5.92-7.97, while the cold waters are comparatively more alkaline with pH values between 6.50-8.83. Both hot and the cold waters are meteoric in origin. The hot waters have lower &
#948
18O-&
#948
D and tritium values suggesting higher recharge altitudes for aquifers and longer residence times for waters, respectively, in the geothermal system (compared to the cold waters). Temporal variations are detected in both ionic and isotopic compositions of the cold and the hot waters, and these reflect seasonal variations for cold and seismicity-induced variations for hot waters. Although no major earthquakes (M>
5) occurred along the NAFZ during the monitoring period, temporal variations recorded in Cl and 3H, and to a lesser extent in Ca and SO4 contents seem to correlate with seismicity along the NAFZ. In this respect, Yalova field deserves the particular attention since seismicity induced variations were better recorded in this field.

The geothermal system at Iamalele is hosted by a series of late Quaternary high-silica dacite to rhyolite ignimbrite, air-fall tuff and related volcaniclastic rocks. The ignimbrite flows are intercalated with calc-alkalic andesite and low-silica dacite lavas, some of which are high-Mg varieties. The Iamalele Volcanics may be related to caldera collapse and post-caldera volcanism. Geothermal activity occurs over 30 km2 of the Iamalele area. Chemical analyses of water from hot springs indicate that the near-surface reservoir is dominated by an acid-sulphate fluid, and that the deeper reservoir fluid probably has a significant seawater component. Analyses of rock and soil samples within the limits of geothermal activity identified several areas of above background values in Au, Hg, As and Sb. A diamond drill hole was completed to a depth of ~200m in one of these areas. Hydrothermal alteration identified in the drill core indicates that the upper 200 m of the geothermal reservoir is well-zoned and contains a trace element signature characteristic of high-level, epithermal precious metal deposits. With increasing depth mineral assemblages indicative of advanced argillic, intermediate argillic and potassic alteration were observed in the recovered core. The Wairakei geothermal system is hosted by a voluminous sequence of late Quaternary rhyolitic ignimbrite, air fall tuff and related volcaniclastic rocks intercalated with andesite to rhyolite lavas. The volcanic sequence was deposited during formation of the Maroa and Taupo caldera volcanoes, and geothermal activity is localized within a diffuse border zone between these two volcanic centres. The high-temperature reservoir at Wairakei is primarily restricted to porous pyroclastic rocks of the Waiora Formation. Geothermal activity is exposed over ~25 km2 of the Wairakei area. Chemical analyses of well discharge indicate that the fluid is a low salinity, low total sulphur, near-neutral pH chloride water with a local meteoric source. Temperature profiles for ~60% of the Wairakei wells were used to construct a c. 1950 view of the thermal zoning of the reservoir. When compared to the estimated preproduction isotherms, reconnaissance fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures indicated that the deeper portion of the reservoir had cooled by ~45ºC prior to production discharge. Hydrothermal rock alteration within the reservoir is systematically zoned and may be separated into four principal assemblages: propylitic, potassic, intermediate argillic and advanced argillic. Calcium zeolites, mainly wairakite, mordenite and laumontite, occur throughout the reservoir and, with the exception of laumontite, form an integral part of either the propylitic or potassic assemblage. Intermediate argillic alteration is widespread but is not strongly developed. The distribution of advanced argillic alteration is sporadic and restricted to depths less than 65 m. Below a depth of ~500 m potassic alteration commonly overprints propylitic alteration. The location of the "average" Wairakei fluid on several activity diagrams drawn for 100°, 200°, 250° and 300°C indicates that propylitic and potassic alteration probably formed in equilibrium with a hydrothermal fluid chemically equivalent to the modern reservoir fluid at temperatures between ~275° and ~210°C. Assays of drill samples indicate that trace amounts of gold (<0.04 g/t) and other metals permeate the reservoir. Samples of siliceous sinter collected from wellhead production equipment contain significant quantities of precious metals and also platinum group and base metals. Metal-rich scale from a back pressure plate (well 66) was analysed by optical microscopy and by electron microprobe analysis. The scale is composed of several discrete mineral phases which show a distinct paragenesis. Hydrothermal alteration and metallization identified within the reservoirs at Iamalele and Wairakei are similar to hydrothermal alteration and metallization identified within the epithermal precious metal deposits of Rawhide and Round Mountain (Nevada, U.S.A.). The major difference between these systems is the much greater abundance of gold and silver at Rawhide and Round Mountain. Conclusions drawn from these comparisons include: (1) within high-temperature active systems gold remains in solution or is dispersed at low grades; (2) boiling does not appear to be a viable means of producing a gold ore deposit within deep (>500 m) hydrothermal reservoirs and (3) the formation of a major precious metal ore deposit may require the superposition of a structural event on a waning geothermal system to initiate an extended period of fluid mixing. High-Mg lavas similar to ones identified at Iamalele occur elsewhere in the late Cenozoic arc-type volcanic associations of south-eastern Papua New Guinea. Detailed geochemical studies of these rocks have revealed the presence of relatively aphyric lavas which are high in MgO, Cr, and Ni and form an integral part of the arc-type association. The high concentrations of these elements relative to typical arc-related rocks are thought to reflect the chemical composition of the initial melt. High-Mg lavas occur in other volcanic arcs of Papua New Guinea as well as in several other circum-Pacific volcanic arcs, and it is likely that high-Mg lavas form a fundamental component of most, if not all, volcanic arcs.

Geothermal energy is being explored as a supplement to traditional fossil fuel resources to meet growing energy demand and reduce carbon emissions. Geothermal energy plants harvest heat stored in the Earth’s subsurface by bringing high temperature fluids to the surface and generating steam to produce electricity. Development of geothermal resources is often inhibited by large upfront risk and expense. Successful mitigation of those costs and risks begins with efficient characterization of the resource before development. A typically successful geothermal reservoir consists of a fractured reservoir that conducts hydrothermal fluids and a cap rock seal to limit convective heat loss through fluid leakage. The controls on the system include the density and orientation of fractures, mechanical rock properties, and the local stress field acting on those rocks. The research presented in this dissertation utilizes diverse data sets to characterize core, wireline borehole logs, and laboratory data to describe the distribution of fractures, rock properties, and the orientation and magnitude of stresses acting on the borehole. The research demonstrates there is a potential resource in the region and describes the controls on the vertical extent of the hydrothermal fluids. The distribution of fractures is controlled by the distribution of elastic rock properties and rock strength. A cap rock seal is present that limits hydrothermal fluid loss from a fractured artesian reservoir at 1,745 m (5,726 ft). In addition to characterization of the resource, this research demonstrates that an equivalent characterization can be used in future exploration wells without the expense and risk of collecting core. It also demonstrates that multiple methods of analysis can be utilized simultaneously when some data are not available. Data collection from deep wellbores involves risk and data loss or tool failure is a possibility. In these cases, our methods show that successful characterization is still possible, saving time and money, and minimizing the financial risk of exploration

A description and model of the near-surface hydrothermal system at Casa Diablo, with its implications for the larger-scale hydrothermal system of Long Valley, California, is presented. The data include resistivity profiles with penetrations to three different depth ranges, and analyses of inorganic mercury concentrations in 144 soil samples taken over a 1.3 by 1.7 km area. Analyses of the data together with the mapping of active surface hydrothermal features (fumaroles, mudpots, etc.), has revealed that the relationship between the hydrothermal system, surface hydrothermal activity, and mercury anomalies is strongly controlled by faults and topography. There are, however, more subtle factors responsible for the location of many active and anomalous zones such as fractures, zones of high permeability, and interactions between hydrothermal and cooler groundwater. In addition, the near-surface location of the upwelling from the deep hydrothermal reservoir, which supplies the geothermal power plants at Casa Diablo and the numerous hot pools in the caldera with hydrothermal water, has been detected. The data indicate that after upwelling the hydrothermal water flows eastward at shallow depth for at least 2 km and probably continues another 10 km to the east, all the way to Lake Crowley.

Rapporten handlar om att jämföra fyra olika värmesystem med varandra. Dessa värmesystem är bergvärmesystem, sjövärmesystem, markvärmesystem och akvifersystem. Strukturen på rapporten ser ut på följande: Först beskrivs varje systemför sig, alltså hur hela systemet fungerar och sedan beskrivs nackdelar samt fördelar för varje system. Vid val av rätt värmesystem är det olika för olika villor eftersom alla har olika förutsättningar. Vid diskussion jämförs dessa fyra värmesystem med varandra utifrån just dessa förutsättningar.  De förutsättningar som jämförs med varandra om de olika systemen går att hitta under rubriken målformulering längre fram.
This rapport is about evaluating four different heating systems. These systems are first, each system is described, how it works and then pros and cons with each system. Choosing the right heating system is different for different buildings since they all have different conditions. In the discussion these four systems are compared to each other considering all these conditions. The Conditions examined can be found in the beginning of the report.

Fractures dans les roches constituent un chemin préférentiel pour les écoulements et les transferts dans les milieux géologiques. Les roches poreuses fracturées se retrouvent dans diverses applications comme par exemple l’ingénierie pétrolière et gazière, le stockage géologique du CO2 et l’extraction d’énergie géothermique. Cette thèse de doctorat présente un ensemble d’analyses des propriétés géométriques, topologiques et hydrauliques des réseaux de fractures dans une perspective d’homogénéisation et d’application à la simulation numérique des réservoirs géothermique. La description des fractures planes en 3D, ou plus spécifiquement des réseaux de fractures discrets (dénommés « DFN » pour « Discrete Fracture Networks »), leurs propriétés statistiques et la façon de les modéliser sont étudiés. Comme la perméabilité joue un rôle essentiel dans l’écoulement et le transport dans les roches poreuses fracturées, nous avons dans un premier temps développé une procédure de changement d’échelle (upscaling) pour déterminer le tenseur de perméabilité équivalente des milieux poreux fracturé en 3D. Cette nouvelle approche est basée sur le principe de superposition, amélioré par des facteurs de connectivité déterminés tout d’abord empiriquement. Ces facteurs correctifs ont pour but de prendre en compte les propriétés de connectivité et de percolation des réseaux de fractures. Malgré son efficacité à prédire la perméabilité équivalente, la méthode proposée présente deux limitations dues essentiellement à la difficulté numérique de capter la percolation et les détails des connections des réseaux de fractures. Pour surmonter ces difficultés et pour effectuer des analyses plus fines des réseaux de fractures, un nouvel outil d’analyse des propriétés géométriques et topologiques des réseaux de fractures 3D a été développé. Dans cet outil, tous les attributs géométriques et topologiques (calcul d’intersections, longueurs de traces, amas percolant, etc.) des réseaux de fractures sont déterminés par un ensemble d’algorithmes. Ces algorithmes sont validés en détails, et leurs efficacités computationnelles sont démontrées. La finalité de ces outils algorithmiques est de donner une représentation des réseaux de fractures par graphes. Avec ces nouveaux outils, les capacités à traiter des réseaux de fractures 3D sont fortement améliorées. Ainsi, en utilisant la représentation en graphes, de nouvelles approches ont été développées concernant trois aspects des réseaux de fractures : (i) la percolation, (ii) le phénomène de groupement de fractures (Clustering) et (iii) la monté d’échelle de la perméabilité par la méthode des graphes. Un simulateur thermo-hydraulique a in fine été développé avec le code open source « OpenFoam ». L’objectif est d’appliquer les techniques de changement d’échelle développées dans cette thèse à des problèmes de simulations des réservoirs géothermiques. Un premier exemple prototype de système de deux puits d’injection-production dans un réservoir géothermique est simulé. D’autres cas sont en cours de traitement dans le cadre du projet GEOTREF ( www.geotref.com )
Fractures constitute major pathways for flow and transport in fractured porous rocks. These types of rocks are encountered in a wide range of applications like for example gas and petroleum engineering, CO2 sequestration and geothermal energy extraction. The present thesis presents a framework to analyze geometrical, topological and hydraulic properties of 3D planar fracture networks with focus on upscaling these properties to obtain an equivalent continuum, in view of application to simulations of geothermal reservoir exploitation. The description of fractures and discrete fracture networks (DFN), their statistical properties and their generation procedures are studied. As permeability plays a key role in flow and transport in fractured porous rocks, we have developed a fast upscaling approach for determining the equivalent permeability tensor of 3D fractured porous media. This new approach is based on the superposition principle improved by empirical connectivity factors in order to take into account the connectivity and percolation properties of the fracture network. Although efficient in predicting permeability, the proposed method presents a major limitation due mainly to the difficulty in assessing the percolation and connectivity properties of the network. To overcome these limitations and for further insightful analyses of DFN composed of planar fractures, an original framework of geometrical and topological analysis of 3D fracture networks has been developed. In this framework, all the geometrical and topological attributes (intersections, areas, trace lengths, clusters, percolating clusters, etc.) of a DFN are explicitly calculated by a set of algorithms. These algorithms are validated in detail by comparison to commercial softwares, and their computational efficiency is highlighted. The final purpose of this framework is to give a graph representation of the DFN. Given the newly developed tools, our capabilities of treating fracture networks have drastically increased. Hence, using a graph representation of the DFN, new approaches have been developed concerning two main issues with fracture networks: (i) percolation, (ii) clustering phenomenon (i.e., the formation of clusters by groups of fractures) and (iii) permeability upscaling. A large scale thermo-hydraulic simulator has therefore been developed with the finite volume open source code “OpenFoam”. The purpose is to apply the upscaling techniques to large scale reservoir configurations with a full coupling with heat transfer. A typical example of injectionproduction wells in a 3D geothermal reservoir is presented, and other cases are being developed within the GEOTREF project ( www.geotref.com )

The Danish subsurface provides a large potential for the use of low-enthalpy geothermal heat and, thereby, to change the national district heating structure by providing a base load power to the system. In the past decade, new exploration and research campaigns were performed to remove geological, technical and commercial obstacles for a significant use of these geothermal resources. One of the obstacles is the lack of knowledge on the thermophysical rock properties. Subsurface thermal conditions as well as the production capacity and lifecycle of geothermal district heating plants largely depend, among other, on these properties. For the Danish Basin only few published data sets are available and mostly limited to thermal conductivity. Values of thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity are mostly unknown. In order to overcome this gap, new laboratory measurements were conducted. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were measured on drill cores sections, while specific heat capacity was calculated based on these values and on rock density. Geological targets for the study are Mesozoic reservoir sandstones (Gassum Fm., Frederikshavn Fm., Haldager Sand Fm.), but also mud-/claystones and limestones of seal rocks (Fjerritslev Fm., Vedsted Fm.). The rock suite of 43 specimens studied was sampled in six wells. The measurements are performed under dry and saturated conditions using the optical scanning method. Furthermore, the values of conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the matrix were obtained by geometric mean averaging. Therefore, the ranges of characteristic values for each lithology were identified and a qualitative survey on the mineralogical composition of the samples on the basis of the matrix data was assembled. Further observations on the behaviour of thermal diffusivity and the relative application of the geometric mean model are also provided. This study was possible thanks to the "GEOTHERM" project, funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark.

The study of jadeite-hedenbergite binary pyroxenes has profound implications for interpreting the P/T history of eclogites and, in particular, ultra high pressure metamorphic rocks. Because binary pyroxenes are extremely rare in nature, a synthesis method was developed, and various compositions along the jadeite-hedenbergite join were produced. Synthesis products were analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer and microprobe to verify purity and homogeneity. Synthesized binary pyroxene was then mixed with quartz and albite and subjected to eclogitic conditions in order to determine the equilibrium reaction Ab <=> Jd + Qtz as a function of pressure, temperature, and X(jd). Two methods of reaction have been developed; one employs a graphite sample cup, and the other requires the use of welded gold sample cups, which reduce the temperature of reaction and allow for better pyroxene growth. All experiments were performed in a 1/2" or 3/4" piston cylinder apparatus at pressures from 15-39 kbar and temperatures from 650-1300°C.

AL'étude présentée dans cette thèse est destinée à apporter une dimension supplémentaire aux systèmes d'information géographique, en permettant la prise en compte de situations évolutives. Ceci nous a amené à proposer un environnement de développement centre autour d'un noyau temps réel charge du suivi. L'originalité de notre approche est de permettre : a) d'automatiser les différentes taches nécessaires à un suivi temps réel : recevoir les données évolutives, analyser la situation courante et présenter une information synthétique ; b) de spécifier le comportement d'ensemble de ce noyau temps réel d'une manière déclarative, sur la base de connaissances fournies par des experts, que ces connaissances décrivent le traitement des données, l'analyse de la situation ou la représentation graphique des données ; c) de fournir aux utilisateurs une interface de présentation des données leur permettant de connaitre l'évolution spatiale et temporelle de la situation. Dans un premier temps, nous présentons le contexte du problème, puis nous proposons une architecture pour l'environnement de développement, et enfin nous présentons une application dans le domaine de la sécurité civile, plus précisément consacrée à la prévention des feux de forêt en zone méditerranéenne
In the recent years, computer techniques have brought new tools for analysis and synthesis of cartographic documents, generally called GIC (graphical information system). Likewise, monitoring of industrial processes have been improved for real time response and user interface. The work presented in this thesis is intended to enhance graphical information management, allowing the study of evoluting situations. To reach this goal, we propose a software environment for applications development, built around a real time kernel in charge of monitoring. Originality of our approach consists in allowing : Automation of the different tasks needed for real time monitoring : receive evoluting data, analyse situation and present synthetic information for user ; to specify the behaviour of the real time kernel in a declarative way, on the basis of knowledge given by experts, whatever this knowledge describe : data processing, situation analysis, or graphical aspect of date ; to supply users with a graphical interface allowing them to dicern spatial and temporal evolution of the situation. First we present the context of the problem, then we propose an architecture for the environment and finally we present an application to forest fire prevention in the mediteranean area

La quantification des ressources géologiques naturelles (huile, gaz, eau, dépôts minéraux, énergie géothermique, etc.) nécessite une compréhension et une description précises des hétérogénéités géologiques et des processus physico-chimiques qui contrôlent leur formation, leur mise en place, leur préservation et leur récupération. Pour caractériser le comportement physique des réservoirs, des modèles géologiques en 2D, 3D et 4D servent de base aux simulations numériques. Un modèle numérique requiert l’intégration et l’homogénéisation de nombreuses données obtenues à différentes échelles. Cela exige hypothèses, choix et simplifications pour représenter la complexité des objets géologiques et des processus physiques avec un nombre limité de paramètres. Dans le cas des études de réservoirs géothermiques haute température, il faut faire face à la complexité géométrique et structurale liée aux environnements volcaniques et à la résolution de processus physiques couplés. Cela demande l’utilisation de recherches effectuées dans différents domaines, avec différents outils. L’interopérabilité entre ces outils théoriques et numériques est un défi. Ces travaux de thèse proposent de pallier ce problème en réalisant des modèles géologiques dont la complexité est préservée à l’aide de maillages non structurés et d’outils permettant de réaliser des simulations de processus physiques couplés réalistes. Des stratégies de conservation de l'intégrité d'un modèle structural sont proposées, respectant les données et l’organisation des structures géologiques. Différents outils ont été élaborés pour identifier et préserver ces structures jouant un rôle particulier dans les processus physiques, comme les couches, failles ou frontières d'un modèle. Une représentation numérique adaptée à la géologie (permise par la librairie RINGMesh utilisant les concepts géologiques dans la description du modèle numérique) préserve ces différents éléments depuis le géomodeleur (SKUA-GocadTM) jusqu’aux simulations physiques (CSMP++). Les outils créés sont inclus dans une chaîne intégrative, allant de la modélisation géologique aux simulations physiques, i.e. de la caractérisation de la géométrie des structures vers la quantification des ressources. Les méthodologies développées sont d’abord validées grâce à des solutions analytiques et appliquées sur des cas synthétiques. Elles sont ensuite utilisées pour comprendre l'évolution des processus thermohydrauliques dans le réservoir géothermique de Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe (cadre du programme GEOTREF). Une première étude menée en 2D compare le réalisme physique de différents scénarios géologiques possibles selon les données de terrain (profils de température et campagne magnétotellurique). Cette étude reproduit les profils de température observés pour deux scénarios étudiés, et semble exclure l’hypothèse de transferts latéraux de chaleur à l’échelle de l’île. Une seconde étude réalisée en 3D, avec une complexification progressive du modèle géologique, quantifie l'impact des structures sur le comportement physique du réservoir. Il apparaît que le comportement thermique du modèle réalisé est principalement influencé par la topographie de la zone, malgré l’ajout d’hétérogénéités plus perméables telles des corridors de failles. Cependant, des hétérogénéités imperméables comme les surfaces de glissements n’ont pas été incluses, et des incertitudes majeures concernant la position, la taille et la forme de la source de chaleur pourraient être étudiées. Ces travaux de thèse ont ainsi permis (1) de mettre en place un environnement numérique propice pour tester l’impact des hétérogénéités géologiques sur le comportement physique des réservoirs, (2) d’ouvrir la voie vers une meilleure compréhension et caractérisation du comportement hydraulique et thermique d’un réservoir géothermique, et particulièrement vers la quantification de l’influence de la géométrie et de la connectivité des hétérogénéités sur les processus physiques
The quantification of natural geological resources (oil, gas, water, ore deposits, geothermal energy, etc) calls for a precise understanding and description of the geological heterogeneities and physical and chemical processes that influence their formation, their settings, their preservation and their recovery. In order to understand the physical behavior of subsurface reservoirs, 2D, 3D and 4D geological models must be developed as basis for numerical simulations. A numerical model needs the integration and homogenization of various and multi-scale data. This implies hypothesis, choices and simplifications to represent the complexity of geological objects and physical processes with a limited number of parameters. In the case of high temperature geothermal studies, one must face both the geometric and structural complexity of volcanic environments and the resolution of coupled physical processes. This calls for the use of several developments made in different research domains, with different tools. However, interoperability between all these theoretical and numerical tools remains a challenge. This work tackles this issue by preserving the geometrical complexity of geological models thanks to unstructured grids and tools which allows realistic physical simulations. New strategies are proposed to preserve the geological characteristics of the model, by honoring field data and the organization of geological structures during physical simulations. Several tools have been developed to identify and represent these structures that play a fundamental role in physical processes, such as layers, faults or model boundaries. An adapted numerical representation (allowed by the RINGMesh library which focuses on using geological concepts in the model description) preserves these elements from the geomodeler (SKUA-GocadTM) to the physical simulator (CSMP++). These tools are part of an integrated workflow, going from geological modeling to physical simulations, i.e. from geometrical characterization of the main geological structures to the quantification of reservoir resources. The developed methodologies are first benchmarked with analytical solutions and applied on synthetic cases. They have then been used in a case study to understand the evolution of thermo-hydraulic processes in the geothermal reservoir of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe (in the frame of the GEOTREF project). A first study has been led in 2D to assess the physical realism of three possible geological scenarios designed in regard of the available field data, such as temperature profiles and MT survey. This study reproduces the observed temperature profiles in two of the studied scenarios and seems to exclude the hypothesis of strong lateral heat transfers at the island scale. A second study has then been realized in 3D, using a progressive model complexification approach to test the impact of heterogeneities on the global physical behavior of the reservoir. It appears that the thermal behavior of the designed model is mainly influenced by the topography of the area, rather than the introduction of permeable heterogeneities, such as fault corridors. However, impermeable features such as sliding surfaces have not been added and a major uncertainty about the heat source position, shape and size remains and could be further studied. These works have allowed (1) to build of a numerical environment that facilitates the tests regarding the impact of geological heterogeneities on the physical behavior of reservoirs, (2) to open the path toward a better understanding and characterization of the thermo-hydraulic behavior of a geothermal reservoir, and especially toward the quantification of the influence of the geometry and connectivity of heterogeneities on physical processes

Pour les projets de tunnels profonds; la prévision des températures naturelles au rocher est essentielle pour le choix des méthodes de perforation, de ventilation et de refroidissement. Une méthode numérique de prévision des températures a été développée à cet effet, à partir d'un logiciel 2D d'éléments finis. Les températures sont calculées dans un plan vertical du massif, à partir de l'équation fondamentale de la chaleur en conduction pure. La modélisation nécessite la connaissance de cinq paramètres de base que sont: le profil topographique, les températures de surface, la structure géologique, la conductivité anisotrope des roches et le flux géothermique profond. Une méthode de correction du profil topographique permet de prendre en compte la troisième dimension. Différents tests sont effectués sur un profil de montagne idéalisé, pour évaluer le poids des différents paramètres dans la modélisation. Le modèle est appliqué ensuite au massif comprenant le tunnel Maurienne-Ambin, dans le cadre du projet de ligne à grande vitesse entre Lyon et Turin. Une sonde de mesure des températures a été mise au point et utilisée dans les sondages de reconnaissance pour ce projet de tunnel profond (55km sous un recouvrement maximal de 2500m). Les forages nous permettent de déterminer la structure géologique, les valeurs de conductivité des roches et le flux géothermique de la région en appliquant la "méthode des intervalles". La température maximale calculée le long du tunnel est de 48,5°C. La confrontation entre les mesures de température dans les forages et la modélisation permet de valider les résultats, sauf dans les premières centaines de mètres du massif, où les circulations d'eau, qui ne sont pas prises en compte par notre modèle, modifient la distribution des températures.

Ce travail porte sur l'exploitation thematique des donnees radar varan en geologie et l'occupation des sols. Les deux premieres parties passent en revue les pretraitements subis par l'image: elimination du bruit et corrections geometriques. Ces chapitres suivants exploitent l'analyse multisources, ainsi que les methodes issus de la morphologie mathematique et de l'analyse de texture

L'etude des mineraux des peridotites du massif ophiolitique de trinity rend compte des mofidications chimiques considerables que subissent les magmas primaires en percolant lentement au sein du manteau supeprieur. L'etude isotopique de sr et de l'oxygene permet de caracteriser les conditions paleohydrothermales. Un bilan geochimique est fait sur la paleocroute dans les domaines oceaniques affectes par des rides a expansion lente

Ce memoire presente sous une forme pratique et didactique le role essentiel du genie geologique dans l'aide a la conception et a la realisation de l'amenagement souterrain du projet hydro-electrique du turkwel, en bordure du rift (kenya). Il rend compte de l'experience acquise entre 1986 et 1989 ou une seule equipe, relativement reduite en nombre, au sein de la meme societe d'ingenieurs conseils, a pu suivre de facon continue: les reconnaissances preliminaires et d'avant-projet sommaire, les etudes d'avant-projet detaillees, la surveillance des travaux d'excavation, de confortement et de revetement des galeires et des cavernes souterraines. La partie i du present ouvrage decrit le projet d'amenagement et l'organisation de l'ingenieur conseil lors des etudes et des travaux; la partie ii decrit le cadre du projet et rend compte de l'etat des connaissances concernant le site de l'amenagement souterrain sous la base des etudes preliminaires et d'avant-projet sommaire realisees avant 1986; la partie iii rend compte de l'etude geotechnique detaillee de l'amenagement souterrain dans le cadre des etudes d'avant-projet detaillees et pendant les travaux realisees entre 1986 et 1989; la partie iv fait le bilan de l'aide a la conception et aux travaux apportee par la geologie; la partie v presente en conclusion sur la base de l'experience vecue quelques recommandations pratiques a adopter pour une meilleure utilisation de la connaissance geologique dans la conception et la realisation d'un amenagement souterrain

Le choix d'un geotextile utilise comme filtre est effectue a partir d'un critere de retention des particules du sol a filtrer. Ce critere est base sur une caracteristique du geotextile appele "ouverture de filtration" qu'on peut definir comme etant la dimension de la plus grosse particule susceptible de traverser le geotextile. Actuellement plusieurs methodes, experimentales surtout, permettent de determiner ce parametre, mais les resultats sont tres differents suivant la methode utilisee. Mise en evidence des parametres source de divergence entre les resultats. Comparaison systematique sur 18 geotextiles de structure variee. On retient la methode de tamissage hydrodynamique. Proposition d'une methode d'interpretation de cet essai a partir d'une etude portant sur l'influence du nombre de cycles et des conditions d'essais.

L'homogeneisation des structures periodiques permet d'apprehender les proprietes macroscopiques de transport d'un milieu poreux a partir de la connaissance des mecanismes intervenant a l'echelle microscopique. Le but de nos recherches est de developper, par la methode des developpements asymptotiques, des modeles mathematiques macroscopiques sur la base d'equations ecrites a l'echelle microscopique. La premiere etude est consacree a l'examen des problemes d'erosion-deposition dans les gres-argileux et qui se traduit par une chute importante de la permeabilite des roches geothermiques. L'application de la methode des developpements asymptotiques a l'echelle du pore permet alors de distinguer quatre modeles macroscopiques predictifs de l'endommagement de la formation. Cette etude a permis notamment d'identifier deux nouveaux tenseurs macroscopiques lies a la dispersion-deposition et a la dispersion-erosion dans le milieu poreux. Contrairement aux modeles classiques, l'erosion apparait dans les regions ou l'ecoulement est le plus intense, tandis que la redeposition a lieu dans les zones ou les courants sont les plus faibles. Dans la derniere partie, l'accent est porte sur les aspects hydro-thermiques concomitants et en particulier sur les mecanismes d'evaporation-condensation qui conditionnent les transferts d'eau en phase vapeur. L'utilisation de la meme technique permet alors de decrire le comportement d'un systeme hydrothermal dans son ensemble. Outre les coefficients effectifs, l'etude a permis de distinguer quatre comportements macroscopiques pour le transfert de masse en phase vapeur, couples a une equation macroscopique de la chaleur. On montre que les termes convectifs sont ponderes a l'echelle du milieu homogeneise par deux nouveaux coefficients de resistance de nature tensorielle. Retenons enfin, que la technique employee permet aussi de discerner tous les cas non homogeneisables pour lesquels il n'y a pas de continu equivalent au milieu poreux.

Dans le but d'optimiser la conception des ouvrages realises dans les massifs rocheux, on prend en compte les discontinuites qui les affectent et on etablit un modele qui etudie le comportement mecanique d'un massif fissure grace a des eprouvettes fracturees