Using Clean Natural Resources

For my advanced volcanology class, we were encouraged by my professor to attend a Volcanological Society of Sacramento (VSSAC) meeting. Of course, he is one of the head members of the organization and the meeting meets on the second floor of the geology building on campus. The presentation was given by a geologist named Tom Box. He gave a wonderful talk, The Nature, Development, and Preservation of a Unique Resource on "The Geysers". If "The Geysers" are unknown to you, it is the world's largest producing geothermal plant and is located near prime wine country in the California Coast Ranges. He was a on-site geologist for several decades. The geothermal area was found in the late 1840's and used as a destination resort for many years. Commerical steam power started slowly in the 1960's, didn't become a big producer until the 1970's, and reached its peak in the 1980's. Currently, the plant has a extensive ground water injection program, which might explain the continuous microquakes in the area (see diagram above, cluster of small earthquakes outlines "The Geysers" region).

Other geothermal plants in California include locations at the Salton Sea and Coso Volcanics.

I really enjoyed the talk and greatly improved my knowledge of geothermal power as a clean natural resource. This presentation brought to my mind, we as a society need to focus on alternative resources, instead of beating around the "bush" for more decades by using coal and foreign oil.

A quick excursion in the Coast Range

What geologic process formed the rocks in the picture?

Well, if you answered turbidites, you would be right. So why do I mention turbidites?

On Friday, my friend and I decided that we wanted to go on a road trip. We decided on a trip to the northern Coast Range through the Capay Valley, where some turbidites can be found. Then we went west to Clear Lake and Ukiah, where we ate lunch at a cute Mexican restaurant in downtown. The food was great and reasonably priced. It was afternoon by the time my son finished his lunch; he was having too much fun smushing french fries. Maybe he was just working on how an accretionary wedge forms during subduction. We realized we were a far way from Sacramento, so we headed south to Highway 128. It was a very beautiful drive through Calistoga, St Helena, etc. Of course, we talked about geology, as we passed fairly close to "The Geysers", where lots of small earthquakes occur and geothermal activity is present. We also passed Lake Berryessa, which both of us had stopped at for field camp. We never hit any traffic until we got to Davis, all those bay area people trying to escape the city. To end our marathon drive, we went shopping at the IKEA in West Sacramento. In 11 hours I drove something like 400 miles and did exactly what I wanted to. I had a great time with my son and friend.

A typical outcrop picture for the Coast Ranges. The Great Valley Group is just not stable!