Geothermal resources of the western arm of the Black Rock Desert, northwestern Nevada: Part I, geology and geophysics
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Abstract
Studies of the geothermal potential of the western arm of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada included a compilation of existing geologic data on a detailed map, a temperature survey at 1-meter depth, a thermal-scanner survey, and gravity and seismic surveys to determine basin geometry. The temperature survey showed the effects of heating at shallow depths due to rising geothermal fluids near the known hot spring areas. Lower temperatures were noted in areas of probable near-surface ground-water movement. The thermal-scanner survey verified the known geothermal areas and showed relatively high-temperature areas of standing water and ground-water discharge. The upland areas of the desert were found to be distinctly warmer than the playa area, probably due to low thermal diffusivity resulting from low moisture content. The surface geophysical surveys indicated that the maximum thickness of valley-fill deposits in the desert is about 3,200 meters. Gravity data further showed that changes in the trend of the desert axis occurred near thermal areas.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Geothermal resources of the western arm of the Black Rock Desert, northwestern Nevada: Part I, geology and geophysics |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 81-918 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr81918 |
| Year Published | 1983 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Description | Report: v, 37 p.; 4 Plates: 21.24 × 35.96 inches or smaller |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| Other Geospatial | Black Rock Desert |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |