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A time-lapse gravity survey of the Coso geothermal field, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, California

Open-File Report 2018-1053
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy Geothermal Program Office
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181053

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Abstract

We have conducted a gravity survey of the Coso geothermal field to continue the time-lapse gravity study of the area initiated in 1991. In this report, we outline a method of processing the gravity data that minimizes the random errors and instrument bias introduced into the data by the Scintrex CG-5 relative gravimeters that were used. After processing, the standard deviation of the data was estimated to be ±13 microGals. These data reveal that the negative gravity anomaly over the Coso geothermal field, centered on gravity station CER1, is continuing to increase in magnitude over time. Preliminary modeling indicates that water-table drawdown at the location of CER1 is between 65 and 326 meters over the last two decades. We note, however, that several assumptions on which the model results depend, such as constant elevation and free-water level over the study period, still require verification.

Suggested Citation

Phelps, G., Cronkite-Ratcliff, C., and Blake, K., 2018, A time-lapse gravity survey of the Coso geothermal field, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2018–1053, 25 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181053.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Data Collection
  • Data Processing
  • Modeling
  • Results
  • Conclusion
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A time-lapse gravity survey of the Coso geothermal field, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, California
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2018-1053
DOI 10.3133/ofr20181053
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description Report: v, 25 p.; Table
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Coso Geothermal Field, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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