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Earth Sciences Sector
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Past, Current and Future Geothermal Research at the Geological Survey of Canada
Stephen Grasby
Earth Sciences Sector
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Response to High Energy Costs/Peak oil
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Geothermal Energy
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Historic Program Activities
• Drilling• Data gathering• Preliminary exploration• Initial definition of national thermal regime• Assessed national potential (volcanics,
sedimentary basins, abandoned mines)• Supported local geothermal initiatives • Developed Canadian and international geothermal
capacity (now mostly retired)
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Previous Pilot Projects
Regina
Mt. MeagerMeager Creek geothermal well, British Columbia
Meager Creek geothermal well, British Columbia
Springhill
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Current Capture of Program Results
One Open File released,one pending
Sedimentary Basins
Cordillerahttp://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/bookstore/index_e.php
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Digital Data Compilation
• Depth-temperature measurements• BHT• DST temp• Production test data• Heat Generation• Thermal Springs
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New National Mapping
•Depth-temperature•Heat flow•Heat content•Resource Potential
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•Thermal energy storage
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Revised Resource Definition
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Thermal Spring Research
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Biogeochemistry and Endangered Species
(Adiantum capillus-veneris)
(physella johnsoni)Work with Parks Canada and other agencies on unique ecosystems supported by geothermal activity
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Crustal-scale hydrogeology
T oC = (1032/(4.69- logSiO2 )) – 273.15
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Theoretical Modelling
0 40 80 120 160 200Maximum Temperature (oC)
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Dim
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empe
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1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000Easting (m)
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z(m
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FAULT ZONE Aqueous Geothermometry
Crustal-scale circulation impact on temperature fields
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Outreach Activities
Raising awareness of geothermal potential in Canada
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Potential Future Research
• Data collection and compilation • Assessing sedimentary basin heat flow and
temperature fields• Petrophysical data integration (porosity, perm,
heat production)• Tertiary volcanic history• Adapting methodology for resource assessment• National Resource Assessment
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GSC Analytical Capabilities
•Thermal conductivity•Rock properties •Inorganic geochemistry (solid and liquids)•Thermal modelling•Resource modelling•Geochemical modelling•Volcanology•Basin analyses•Hydrogeology
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Summary
• The GSC and predecessor organisations have played a significant role in geothermal research in Canada
• Skills and expertise are there to respond to renewed interest
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2010
2005
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1995
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1985
1980
1975
1970
1965
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1955
1950
1945
Geothermal Energy
Program
year
US$
/bar
rel
Earth Sciences Sector
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