Change in the heat regime of the Pauzhetka geothermal system in Kamchatka as a result of exploitation

Abstract

The Pauzhetka geothermal system is located in a volcano-tectonic depression near the active volcano Kambalny.

Temperatures at depths of 300–800 m are 180°–210°C. The exploitation of productive horizons with a withdrawal of 130–160 kg/s commenced in 1966.

A noticeable lowering of the enthalpy in the wells was observed during the exploitation period. Analysis of temperature and pressure variations in the reservoir using heat-mass transfer equations gives an estimation of the heat and water resources supplied from the interior of the system to the area under exploitation. The value of the water resources supplied from the depth is 85 kg/s on the average, the rest of the water being supplied from the peripheral colder parts of the reservoir.

These estimates lead to the conclusion that the utilization of hydrothermal systems associated with active volcanoes is accompanied by recoverability of cold water from the surrounding rocks that may influence substantially their heat regime.