Geoelectric-geothermal exploration on Hawaii Island : preliminary results

Geoelectric reconnaissance surveys were performed on Hawaii Island to locate areas of low resistivity that might have the potential for commercial geothermal development. The lower northeast end of the Kilauea East Rift Zone has low resistivities (less than 10 ohm-m) that indicate anomalous geothermal conditions. Preliminary results of both AC and DC resistivity surveys indicate that the most promising zone of high temperature waters is at depths of 500 to 1500 meters beneath the 1955 eruptive vents in this region. The temperature in this zone may be as great as 200 °C. Further analysis is continuing on the data and additional data are being gathered to attempt to outline the probable extent of the material with low resistivity.Supported by National Science Foundation Grant GI-38319, State of Hawaii Grant (RCUH) 774 and County of Hawaii Grant (RCUH) 773