Tracking supercritical geothermal fluid distribution from continuous seismic monitoring

Abstract

Continuous seismic monitoring could play a pivotal role in deep geothermal energy exploration. We monitored seismicity near geothermal production areas of the Kuju volcanic complex with a dense seismic network and automated event detection. Most events were shallow (less than 3 km below sea level) and distributed along a boundary between regions of high and low resistivity and S-wave velocity, interpreted as a lithological boundary or related fracture zone. Deeper events located on top of subvertical conductors may reflect fracturing associated with magmatic fluid intrusion. A correlation may exist between seismicity and heavy rainfall three days prior to increased pore pressure in pre-existing fractures. Our findings support the presence of supercritical geothermal fluids and demonstrate the importance of continuous seismic monitoring in supercritical geothermal energy exploration.