Zeitschrift für Geologie und Geophysik
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Geothermal Exploration by Seismoelectric Survey

Chi Dong

In the following, we present the first successful case in geothermal exploration history that utilizes seismoelectric survey methods. Through rigorous research, we developed a novel seismoelectric surveying system that includes the design of proprietary specialized instruments to acquire, process, and interpret the seismoelectric signal (SES) in order to measure relative permeability in geothermal reservoirs. The system is based, on the principles of subsurface seismic wave propagation, its disturbance of the electric double layer in water saturation zones and the seismoelectric signal (SES) generated by this interaction. Theoretically, our system is designed on the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation (defines steady state streaming potential-1859). Our method involves generating, recording, processing in interpreting the seismoelectric signals (SES). This technique has been applied in over 300 surveys worldwide in both groundwater and petroleum reservoirs. Its ability to detect fractures has delivered a water source in areas lacking conventional porous media. The system’s portability permits us carry out studies in difficult to reach areas. Results demonstrate that it is effective in locating geothermal reservoirs, groundwater as well as hydrocarbons. This seismoelectric survey system is more economical, more accurate, and more efficient and correlates better to well log data in comparison to other geophysical techniques.