3D seismic survey for geothermal exploration in crystalline rocks in Saxony, Germany

Autor: Rüdiger Schulz, Rüdiger Thomas, Sascha Görne, Ewald Lüschen, Hartwig von Hartmann
Rok vydání: 2015
Předmět:
Zdroj: Geophysical Prospecting. 63:975-989
ISSN: 0016-8025
Popis: A 3D seismic survey was recorded in 2012 to explore a petrothermal reservoir in a late-Variscan granitic pluton within the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) in Saxony, Germany. The main objective was to test this area in the context of the Enhanced Geothermal System concept and to test the 3D seismic technique as an exploration tool. The intention and challenge are to image and characterize potentially permeable fracture zones at target depths of 5–6 km, with temperatures above 150 °C. Unconventional methods were applied for field acquisition and data processing. The vibroseis technique was used in the core experiment, accompanied by a special explosive seismic experiment. Field acquisition was characterized by severe noise conditions and a highly irregular layout. These conditions required extensive preprocessing and data conditioning. The imaging started with conventional Common Midpoint processing for quality control and for a first reference. Better images were obtained by Common Reflection Surface processing with subsequent post-stack time migration. Prestack time migration was also used for comparison. Outstanding results were obtained by the ‘operator-oriented’ version of the Common Reflection Surface technique. A rich repertoire of structures within the granite pluton was imaged, including steeply dipping fault zones and conjugate faults. Images and indications of fracture and crack porosity of a prominent fault zone provide the background to define an optimum drill path. This is considered as the next stage for a possible geothermal plant, if a decision is taken to drill a research well in the future. The 3D seismic reflection technique was shown to be an indispensable tool for geothermal exploration, even in crystalline basement rocks.
Databáze: OpenAIRE