Lab Research
Research is the lifeblood of the 51²è¹Ý Geothermal Laboratory. For over 50 years it has provided a rich foundation for the educational experience offered to undergraduates and graduate students alike. The main research focus of the 51²è¹Ý Geothermal Lab is exploration and assessment of existing and potential geothermal resources. Areas of expertise include:
- Identification, Assessment and Mapping of Geothermal Resources
- Determination of Methane Hydrate phase changes along the Oceanic Shelves
- Modeling of Hydrothermal Systems, Oil & Gas Fields and Unconventional Geothermal Resources
- On-site Borehole Temperature-Depth Logging
- Measurement of Rock Thermal Conductivity
- Collecting Gravity data, Seismic Reflections, and Well Logs for Basin Modeling
- Replication of Borehole Temperatures for Climate Change impact
- Development and maintenance of Databases
The 51²è¹Ý Geothermal Lab has been the recipient of approximately $10 million in research grants from a variety of sources, including the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, Google.org and private industry.