USA:

Study Explores Groundwater and Geothermal Energy in Drought-Stricken Eastern Oregon and Neighboring States (USGS)

A new study now underway by the U.S. Geological Survey is exploring the groundwater resources and geothermal energy potential in drought-stricken areas of eastern Oregon and nearby parts of California, Idaho and Nevada. Volcanoes are associated with vast amounts of geothermal energy and lava-flows form many of the Pacific Northwest’s most important aquifers, potentially the only reliable source of high-quality water during periods of drought.

“The research encompasses large areas that have been under drought conditions for several years and data acquired by the study will aid water managers in their efforts to meet the needs of water users in these areas,” said GRC Member Erick Burns, USGS scientist and project chief for this study. GRC Member Jonathan Glen is responsible for the geothermal energy aspect of the study.

The study, being conducted in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department, the Idaho Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Water Resources, is assessing the groundwater resources and geothermal energy potential within parts of the Northwest Volcanic Province. This region of the inland Pacific Northwest has been heavily influenced by landscape-shaping volcanic eruptions over the past 17 million years.

The first study results, summarizing estimates of groundwater quantity by sub-region, are expected for publication near the end of 2016.

To learn more about the study, please visit the Joint Groundwater and Energy Study website.

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