The Faults and Hot Springs of Surprise Valley: Perspectives from Detailed Gravity and Magnetic Data
Abstract
The central section of the Surprise Valley, NE California, in the westernmost section of the Basin and Range province contains a geothermal system related to extensional tectonics. Most geophysical research related to this geothermal system has focused primarily on the Lake City hot springs. Our work includes several other hot springs within the valley and their associated faults. We have used magnetic shallow crustal profiling in conjunction with gravimetric measurements to provide greater geophysical and geological understanding of the structures controlling the geothermal system. Potential fields data were collected along linear transects crossing inferred structural features using a Cesium Magnetometer, and Lacoste and Romberg and Scintrex CG5 gravity meters. These transects reveal two distinct fault types: intra-basin normal faults with significant vertical offset, and more complex faults representative of those previously mapped in the Lake City Fault Zone. The Lake City Fault Zone displays high frequency, high amplitude anomalies but does not appear to have considerable offset unlike faults trending parallel to the valley that have significant vertical offset. Our work provides additional detail that complements existing aeromagnetic and regional gravity data, suggesting that north-south trending normal faulting is occurring within the basin while the Lake City Fault Zone interacts obliquely with these faults in a NW-SE-trending direction. This research has better defined the locations of faults, and extended portions of the Lake City Fault Zone and surrounding faults. This bears significance for the prospective development of geothermal energy as a regional resource.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008AGUFM.T21B1969S
- Keywords:
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- 8109 Continental tectonics: extensional (0905);
- 8118 Dynamics and mechanics of faulting (8004)