Structural geology constraints and its influence on geothermal systems, Mt. Meager, BC.
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| Authors: | Muhammad, M; Barendregt, RW; Williams-Jones, G |
| Year: | 2021 |
| Journal: | Proceedings of the Canadian Geothermal Students' Day, Geothermal Canada P2111: 1-15 PDF |
| Title: | Structural geology constraints and its influence on geothermal systems, Mt. Meager, BC. |
| Abstract: | The Garibaldi Volcanic Belt (GVB), and particularly the Mount Meager Volcanic Complex (MMVC), has been identified as a region with significant geothermal potential (e.g., Ghomshei et al., 2004, 2005; Arianpoo, 2009). Although geothermal exploration at Mount Meager was carried out intermittently from the early 1970s through to 2009, the previous studies did not constrain the influence of major structural and tectonic features on the geothermal fluid pathways. In this study, we used classic structural field geology mapping of structures such as faults, folds, and other fractures along with paleomagnetic inclination of young volcanic units to constrain the neotectonic activity of structures at Mount Meager; the goal was to help define the current structural geology elements controlling geothermal pathways in the region. Our preliminary study indicates significant tilting and minor rotation of both older basement rocks and younger volcanic rocks as young as 300-700 ka or between 2-1.2 Ma. The tilting and rotation of basement and young volcanic rocks was most likely controlled by a newer fault strand of the Owl Creek fault and movement on the left lateral strike slip fault between the east and west ridges of North Lillooet Ridge. Hence, potential geothermal fluid pathways, at least north of the Mount Meager complex, are controlled largely by kinematics of the Owl Creek fault and the mapped left-lateral strike slip fault between the east and west ridges of North Lillooet Ridge, north of the Mount Meager massif. The current findings will significantly enhance our understanding of the geothermal reservoir at MMVC and can be used as essential input data for 3D reservoir modelling. |
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