What exactly are the rock types that make up the underground laboratory of Utah FORGE? In this webinar, Dr. Clay Jones describes the geology of the site and surrounding area and the findings from core and cutting analyses of deep wells!
Ground motions generated by induced seismicity is an important consideration and design factor for the development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and operations. Typically, ground motions are estimated from empirically based ground motion prediction equations using a moment magnitude and a distance with factors to account for local site conditions and in some cases faulting style. Ground motions specific to a site, recorded or modeled, for the specific site conditions and fault geometries may better inform hazard and risk calculations. Here we demonstrate a deterministic calculation of ground motions from postulated moment magnitudes at the Utah FORGE site using source-to-site earthquake simulations using the finite-element method in the codes, FALCON and MASTODON, developed and maintained at the Idaho National Laboratory. Sample results are presented from these simulations and a plan for future work is discussed.
This is the 11th forum of the series and is intended to have an open format to present modeling and simulation, both completed and planned, as well as activities being conducted by the Utah FORGE Team.
This webinar has been recorded and is available for viewing.
To follow along with the slides, the pdf of the presentation is available for download HERE
For previous forums and for the upcoming schedule check out the Modeling and Simulation FORUM page
What exactly are the rock types that make up the underground laboratory of Utah FORGE? In this webinar, Dr. Clay Jones describes the geology of the site and surrounding area and the findings from core and cutting analyses of deep wells!
Spanning more than 45 square miles, The Geysers in northern California is the largest geothermal power plant complex in the world. For over a century, its steam has powered innovation, clean energy, and communities across the region.
Dr. Kristine Pankow of the University of Utah has been named the Geological Society of America’s 2025–2026 Distinguished Lecturer. Her lecture, “Utah FORGE: A Field-Scale Geothermal Laboratory,” will spotlight groundbreaking research at the world’s only dedicated site for advancing Enhanced Geothermal Systems.