Three-Dimensional Geological Modeling and Resource Estimation of Hot Dry Rock in the Gonghe Basin, Qinghai Province

Guilin Zhu, Linyou Zhang (), Zhihui Deng, Qingda Feng, Zhaoxuan Niu and Wenhao Xu
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Guilin Zhu: Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
Linyou Zhang: Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, Tianjin 300300, China
Zhihui Deng: Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, Tianjin 300300, China
Qingda Feng: Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, Tianjin 300300, China
Zhaoxuan Niu: Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, Tianjin 300300, China
Wenhao Xu: Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, Tianjin 300300, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: The Gonghe Basin, situated on the northeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is a strike-slip pull-apart basin that has garnered considerable attention for its abundant high-temperature geothermal resources. However, as it is located far from the Himalayan geothermal belt, research on the geothermal resources in the Gonghe Basin has mainly focused on the heat source mechanism, with less attention given to the distribution and resource potential of hot dry rock. In this project, a comprehensive approach combining geological surveys, geophysical exploration, geochemical investigations, and deep drilling was employed to analyze the stratigraphic structure and lithological composition of the Gonghe Basin, establish a basin-scale three-dimensional geological model, and identify the lithological composition and geological structures within the basin. The model revealed that the target reservoirs of hot dry rock in the Gonghe Basin exhibit a half-graben undulation pattern, with burial depths decreasing from west to east and reaching a maximum depth of around 7000 m. Furthermore, the distribution of the temperature field in the area was determined, and the influence of temperature on rock density and specific heat was investigated to infer the thermal properties of the deep reservoirs. The Qiabuqia region, situated in the central-eastern part of the basin, was identified as a highly favorable target area for hot dry rock exploration and development. The volume method was used to evaluate the potential of hot dry rock resources in the Gonghe Basin, which was estimated to be approximately 4.90 × 10 22 J, equivalent to 1.67 × 10 12 t of standard coal, at depths of up to 10 km.

Keywords: geothermal resource; HDR; three-dimensional geological model; Gonghe Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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