Scientists and engineers from around the world gathered in Cornell University’s Snee Hall, Jan. 8-10, to design experiments that could be incorporated into the university’s proposal to dig a 2.5-mile-deep borehole as part of an enhanced geothermal energy system.
About 35 researchers traveled to campus for the workshop, where they were joined by about 20 Cornell faculty members, students and facilities professionals. The workshop was sponsored by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, a nonprofit organization that promotes subterranean investigations.
Scientific access to deep continental boreholes is uncommon, as the holes are mostly dug by industry, which generally does not share access or data. Access is critical to learning about rock mechanics, hydrogeology, seismology, microbiology and other information about the planet.
Cornell is proposing a borehole on campus property to serve as a test well for Earth Source Heat, an enhanced geothermal system that would use the Earth’s thermal energy to heat most of the buildings on campus.
About 35 researchers traveled to campus for the workshop, where they were joined by about 20 Cornell faculty members, students and facilities professionals. The workshop was sponsored by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, a nonprofit organization that promotes subterranean investigations.
Scientific access to deep continental boreholes is uncommon, as the holes are mostly dug by industry, which generally does not share access or data. Access is critical to learning about rock mechanics, hydrogeology, seismology, microbiology and other information about the planet.
Cornell is proposing a borehole on campus property to serve as a test well for Earth Source Heat, an enhanced geothermal system that would use the Earth’s thermal energy to heat most of the buildings on campus.
