New data yield new geologic insights at the Fallon FORGE site, Carson Sink Region, Nevada

摘要

The geologic structure beneath the Fallon Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) site represents a record of the Mesozoic through Cenozoic tectonism, volcanism, and sedimentation that has affected the Carson Sink local to Fallon, NV. A robust dataset confirms that the lithologic sequence consists of Quaternary through Miocene sedimentary and volcanic rocks resting non-conformably on Mesozoic crystalline basement. The basement consists of four lithologic units; 1) Triassic-Jurassic low-to-medium grade meta-rhyolites, 2) Jurassic low-to-medium grade quartzites and other metamorphosed marine sedimentary rocks, and 3) Jurassic low-to-medium grade meta-basalt and -basaltic-andesite lavas, all intruded by 4) Jurassic-Cretaceous quartz monzonite. The geologic section dips ～20-25° west, tilting that was accommodated by a predominant system of north-to-north-northeast striking, east and west moderately-to-steeply dipping normal faults. The above, relatively broad-scale characteristics of the geologic framework of the Fallon site have been developed throughout the ～3 year duration of the project. With the collection of new data and re-analysis of existing data in Phase 2B of the Fallon FORGE project, our detailed understanding of the relatively finer-scale aspects of the geologic framework, including aspects of the stratigraphic sequence and the locations and attitudes of individual faults have evolved and an updated 3D geologic map has been developed. Here, we compare the Phase 1 3D geologic map to the Phase 2B 3D geologic map and demonstrate the evolution of our understanding of the geologic framework of the Fallon site and the value of the new data that was collected in Phase 2B in developing this updated framework.