Using surfact methods to understand the Ohaaki Hydrothermal Field, New Zealand

Abstract

This thesis reports the investigation into the surface heat and mass flow of the Ohaaki hydrothermal field using detailed surface measurements of CO? flux and heat flow. Detailed surface measurements form the basis of geostatistical models that quantify and depict the spatial variability of surface heat and mass flow, across the surface of both major thermal areas, as high resolution pixel plots. These maps, in conjunction with earlier heat and mass flow studies, enable: (i) estimates of the pre-production and current CO? emissions and heat flow for the Ohaaki Field; (ii) interpretation of the shallow permeability structures governing fluid flow, and; (iii) the spatial relationships between pressure-induced ground subsidence and permeability