Geophysics in geothermal exploration: a review

Jean-Luc Mari and Geoffroy Paixach

In subsurface characterization studies, surface seismic and electrical-electromagnetic methods are among the most widely used methods for creating 2D and 3D subsurface models. These methods play a growing role in soil investigations for hydrogeological studies, site characterization for wind farms, and the oil and gas industry, particularly in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

The goal of this book is to provide a practical guide on how to apply geophysical methods in geothermal exploration, illustrated with real-world field examples. These methods support resource exploration, the de-risking of drilling projects, and the ongoing monitoring of geothermal assets.

The book begins with an introduction to geothermal energy systems. It then delves into geophysical methods, presenting the current state of knowledge and illustrating how electrical-electromagnetic and active-passive seismic methods can be combined into a Multiphysics approach for geothermal exploration.

Each method has unique strengths and limitations, responding to specific subsurface properties and operating at different scales, depths, and spatial resolutions. Therefore, selecting the most cost-effective and appropriate methods for a given geothermal prospect requires an integrated approach to optimize exploration success while minimizing risks.

In addition to these examples, the authors provide readers with guidelines to carry out these operations, in terms of acquisition, as well as processing and interpretation.

Each chapter includes brief theoretical concepts, mainly practical guidelines and, most importantly, real-world application examples. For this reason, the book can be used as a companion text for course lectures and continuing education seminars.

This book aims to promote the exchange of information among geologists, geophysicists, and engineers involved in the field of geothermal energy.

p. 11
Prefaces
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c901

p. 13
Foreword
J.-L. Mari and G. Paixach
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c902

p. 15
The authors
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c903

p. 25
Introduction
J.L. Mari and G. Paixach
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c904

p. 31
Chapter 1 • Overview of the different geothermal systems: role of geophysics in exploration and production
G. Paixach, H. Traineau, F. Bugarel, E. Lasne and C. Maïlhol
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c001

p. 51
Chapter 2 • Surface geophysical methods
J.-L. Mari and G. Paixach
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c002

p. 115
Chapter 3 • Borehole geophysical methods
J.L. Mari
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c003

p. 145
Chapter 4 • Towards a revisited geothermal conceptual model in the Upper Rhine Graben
A. Genter, C. Baujard, C. Glaas and V. Maurer
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c004

p. 165
Chapter 5 • DEEP ERT/IP for geothermal exploration and de-risking
A. Rosselli, C. Truffert, F. Barsuglia, F. Fischanger, A. Coletti, G. Morelli and S. Del Ghianda
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c005

p. 181
Chapter 6 • The use of passive seismic methods for Geothermal exploration and monitoring
T. Kremer, J. M. Ars, T. Gaubert-Bastide, K. Khazraj and C. Voisin
DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c006

p. 223
Chapter 7 • Seismic inversion and characterization applied to geothermal energy
R. Baillet, T. Chrest, T. Defreminville and E. Masse
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c007

p. 241
Chapter 8 • Seismic anisotropy applied to geothermal prospection
R. Baillet, N. Desgoutte, V.Thomas and J. Caudroit
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c008

p. 257
Chapter 9 • Defining high enthalpy geothermal drilling target with multi-physics integrated exploration program. Mayotte’s Petite-Terre Island case study
A. Stopin, C. Dezayes and T. Farlotti
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c009

p. 275
Chapter 10 • Feasibility of monitoring cold fronts of geothermal doublets using 4D active electromagnetic techniques – a field trial in the Dogger play in the Paris Basin
F. Dubois, A. Stopin, F. Bretaudeau and P. Wawrzyniak
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c010

p. 291
Synthesis
G. Paixach and J.L. Mari
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c905

p. 297
Conclusion
J.L. Mari and G. Paixach
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/978-2-7598-3752-6.c906