Montserrat geothermal system: A 3D conceptual model

What is it about?

We constructed a three-dimensional conceptual model of a geothermal system on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. The model was generated using magnetotelluric resistivity data, earthquake hypocenter data, and a three-dimensional P wave velocity model, all plotted using a shared geographical reference. The results of the study suggest a high-temperature fracture-controlled geothermal system at the intersection of two faults in the SW of the island. We also present a “prospectivity index” map that represents a proxy of the spatial variation in harvestable heat flux at 1500 m depth. The index is the product of relative permeability around modeled faults and a proxy for the subsurface temperature calculated using P wave velocity anomalies.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This work develops a technique for better targeting of renewable, low carbon emission geothermal energy.

Perspectives