Quantitative structural-geological exploration of fault-controlled geothermal systems-A case study from the Basin-and-Range Province, Nevada (USA)

Fluid-bearing fracture zones are typically the focus of geothermal exploration as preferential targets for production wells. The ability of fractures to channel fluids is commonly affected by the current stress field. In this study, a three-dimensional structural-geological model of the Brady's geothermal system (Basin-and-Range Province, USA) was developed. We demonstrate that by incorporating slip- and dilation tendencies as a function of the stress field and fault geometry, our 3D-model can efficiently contribute to the identification of favorable drilling targets.