The Electrokinetic Mechanism of Hydrothermal-Circulation-Related and Production-Induced Self-Potentials

Self-potential (SP) surveys were carried out on a number of geothermal areas in Japan during the last decade. In most cases SP anomalies of positive polarity are found to overlie high temperature upflow zones. Streaming potential generated by hydrothermal circulation (Ishido, 1981) is considered to be the most likely cause of the observed positive anomalies. Repeated surveys conducted on the Nigorikawa caldera in Japan detected a change in SP induced by production of geothermal fluids. The observed change is dipolar in waveform and can also be attributed to an electrokinetic mechanism. 6 figs., 14 refs.