Monitoring seismicity and crustal structure of the Canoe Reach geothermal field

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The development of the Canoe Reach geothermal field will provide an ideal resource for generating power thatcan be delivered to communities in the surrounding area and beyond. To achieve this goal, which is part oftheir Canoe Reach Energy project, Borealis GeoPower is conducting a series of studies to better understand thestructure of the geothermal field and its relation to the neighboring faults. For this project Borealis plans to drillan exploration well near Canoe Reach to better assess the thermal conditions and the structure of the shallowcrust in the area of the hot springs. Utilizing NSERC Engage funding, the applicant will collaborate withBorealis GeoPower by conducting a novel seismic investigation to identify the manner in which local faultsrespond to drilling and fluid injection during the initial development of a geothermal field. The six-monthduration of this project is timed to span from prior to drilling to post-injection, which will highlight how theregion has been modified during the initial stages of geothermal development. Using a new seismic dataset thatwill be acquired as part of this project, we will monitor the Canoe Reach geothermal field to map its seismicityand characterize its faults. Our observations will reveal details about the distribution of seismicity and faultswithin the region at previously unattainable detail. Identifying changes in seismicity or faults will provide datato Borealis to monitoring how their activities modify the region.This Engage grant will provide support for graduate students to: (1) detect local seismicity, (2) characterize theorientation of faulting associated with these earthquakes, (3) examine arrivals of seismic waves and assess iftheir propagation appears to have been affected by anisotropic seismic velocities, and (4) measure whetherthese observations exhibit temporal variations and how those relate to the timing of activities taking placeduring geothermal development. Integrating these results will provide Borealis with insights into the regionalseismicity and faults so that the Canoe Reach Energy project can be optimally developed.