In order to greatly expand the use of geothermal energy in the 21st century, it is essential to explore various kinds of unexploited geothermal resources. This research group will conduct the project over the four years (2001 - 2004): Studies on Geothermal Resources. To explore unexploited geothermal resources, the fundamental hydrothermal processes both in plains and in volcanic terrains will be studied. Unexploited resources will also be assessed from the viewpoint of geothermal modeling. A multi-purpose numerical resources map of Japanese resources will be drawn using Geographic Information System (GIS) software.

1. In order to better understand unexploited geothermal resources, the following subjects will be studied: permeability of regions surrounding reservoirs in the pre-Tertiary basement, geothermal models of igneous-related geothermal systems, hydrothermal systems under plains, and fault-related sealing structures in plains.
2. In order to evaluate unexploited resources evaluation, a digital geothermal resource map scaled 1:500,000 will be published, and methods for data integration and resource evaluation using GIS will be investigated.
3. In order to assess the exploration methods for the utilization of low enthalpy water resources in shallow aquifer,case studies in the Sendai and Nobi plains are carried out.

This group is the only organization to integrate geothermal data from all over Japan. The group members study the fundamental processes of geothermal systems that lead to exploration projects of unused geothermal resources. Members have published world-class high quality papers on deep-seated geothermal systems, and fill important roles such as university lecturers, NEDO committee members, members of the Geothermal Research Society of Japan and other administrative and academic positions.

Keiichi SAKAGUCHI / Group Leader

Keiko MIZUGAKI

Norio YANAGISAWA

Kasumi YASUKAWA

Munetake SASAKI

Osamu MATSUBAYASHI / Technical Staff

Hirofumi MURAOKA / NJRISE, Hirosaki University

under investigation