Seismic Velocity/Temperature Correlations And A Possible New Geothermometer: Insights From Exploration Of A High-Temperature Geothermal System On Montserrat, West Indies

In 2013, two production wells were drilled into a geothermal reservoir on Montserrat, W. I. (West Indies) Drilling results confirmed the main features of a previously developed conceptual model. The results confirm that below similar to 220 degrees C there is a negative correlation between reservoir temperature and seismic velocity anomaly. However, above similar to 220 degrees C there is a positive correlation. We hypothesise that anomalous variations in seismic velocity within the reservoir are controlled to first order by the hydrothermal mineral assemblage. This study suggests a new geophysical thermometer which can be used to estimate temperatures in three dimensions with unprecedented resolution and to indicate the subsurface fluid pathways which are the target of geothermal exploitation.