Geothermal exploration in the Alberta basin using seismic reflection methods

The Helmholtz-Alberta-Initiative (HAI) is a joint Canadian-German research programme with special focus on geo-ressources, energy development and environmental sustainability. One sub-project deals with the geothermal potential of the Alberta basin. Different groups at GFZ and in Canada participate with investigations of the temperature field, structural geology, stress field and other related aspects. Our contribution builds on a re-processing of pre-existing seismic reflection data measured within the LITHOPROBE programme. We are following two main topics: (1) seismic characteristics of horizons with geothermal potential, and (2) seismic imaging of large fault structures with relevance for possible geothermal exploitation scenarios. Finally, the results will be integrated with other disciplines in order to derive a conceptual model for the Alberta basin and its geothermal potential.

Time Frame

Personnel

• Marcin Pussak (GFZ Potsdam)

Cooperations

• University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
• International Centre for Geothermal Research (ICGR) at GFZ Potsdam
• Section 4.1 at GFZ Potsdam
• Section 2.6 at GFZ Potsdam

Methods & Equipment

• conventional seismic reflection processing
• common-reflection-surface stack (CRS) method
• seismic attributes

Publications/Results

• Ardakani, P., Schmitt, D., Brown, T., Chan, J., Idowu, S., Majorowicz, J.A., van der Baan, M., Bauer, K., Moeck, I., Pussak, M., Weides, S. (2011): Regional geophysical reconnaissance for low enthalpy geothermal resources in NE Alberta, Canada, AGU 2011 Fall Meeting, San Francisco, H21E-1160.