Modelling Heat Transfer and Rock Deformation Processes in Geothermal Systems

The geothermal research program at the University of Colorado encompasses three primary areas of study. These include: 1. Analysis and interpretation of data from the Mesa Anomaly. Development of a physically viable conceptual model of the undeveloped system. 2. Heat and mass transfer in simple models of liquid-dominated geothermal systems. Analysis of flow, temperature and pressure distribution. 3. Rock deformation processes associated with mechanical loading (earth tides, tectonics) and extraction and reinjection of liquids. This paper presents results of studies on: (1) Steady Nonlinear Convection on a Saturated Porous Medium with Large Temperature Variation. (2) The Vertical Convection of Heated Liquid in a Fault Zone in the Geothermal Environment. (3) The Enhancement of Microfracture Structure in Rocks.