Integrated interpretation of MT, gravity, drill-hole and historical data reveals hydrothermal potential of Newberry Volcano, Oregon

Zonge International conducted two gravity surveys in the area of the Newberry Volcano in central Oregon for geothermal developer Davenport Newberry in 2007 and 2010, and collected further magnetotelluric (MT) data in the summer of 2011.

Davenport Newberry has been conducting exploration on the volcano since 2005, the primary target being the western flank. Deep exploration wells drilled on the upper northwest flank of the volcano prior to the 2011 survey encountered temperatures from 550^o to >600^oF.

Zonge designed the MT survey to collect data along extended lines so that inverted results could be displayed in “plan views” at a constant depth. Station locations were chosen to augment results of a much earlier survey conducted by another contractor. Use of a remote reference MT station reduced interference from a pipeline running through the area.
Image: Gravity anomaly of Newberry volcano. Station locations are shown as well as the National Monument boundary. East Lake, Paulina Lake and Creek are outlined in blue.

Processing and integrated interpretation performed by Zonge, of the MT results from more than 100 stations — with gravity data and drill-hole lithology — revealed valuable information about geologic structure and the volcanic development that significantly changed the understanding of which areas have higher potential for hosting hydrothermal systems.

On the flanks of the volcano, imaged MT data consistently showed three principal geoelectrical units. And among other findings, gravity data showed the subsurface volcano to be different from the observable topographic edifice.

more on MT method and depth of investigation