Geothermal Investigations
in Dixie Valley, Nevada
(F. Goff)
Los Alamos scientists in conjunction with Oxbow Geothermal Company and
other DOE-funded investigators, have since 1996 performed several geochemical
studies at the Dixie Valley geothermal system, Nevada. This
system has produces 62 MW electricity from a double-flash power plant
and is " the loneliest power plant in the USA." Los Alamos participates
in the following projects:
1. A study of scaling/corrosion of injection wells and pipelines
to provide better solutions for reinjecting spent brine from the power
plant'
2. A regional geochemical study of recharge waters into the geothermal
system;
3. A CO2 gas flux/temperature distribution study of a "dead"
zone of increased fumarole activity north of the power plant;
4. A temporal study of chemical and isotopic changes in production
gasesand brines.
The various studies will help the operator prolong the commercial life
ofthe system. Collaborating institutions are Lawrence Livermore NationalLaboratory
and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Deborah Bergfeld (PhD student, University of New Mexico)
runs CO2
flux/temperature traverse with a LiCor soil gas analyzer. The traverses
are integrated to construct a contour map that will ultimately show
temporal changes in the size of the "dead zone." Senator Fumarole
(94°C) is in background.