CUBO researchers will analyze the size and frequency of these fractures to determine the viability of the Earth Source Heat project. Researchers will study the existing network of natural fractures in the rock through which naturally occurring water in the subsurface could absorb heat from the rock and flow into a well. That information will be used to figure out which rock layers will be best for extracting heat. Geologists will investigate variables such temperature, flow rate of fluids through the rock, and rock type. Through the borehole, we will have access to the rocks, and can measure numerous properties. An animation describing the drilling of this borehole can be found at the Earth Source Heat website. The test hole will be known as the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO). Earlier research indicates that rock hot enough to provide the heat needed for Cornell University will likely be found at a depth of about 10,000 feet – close to two miles down! This project aims to drill a hole deep enough to test this hypothesis. This is true for a large part of the world’s land masses. Iceland or Yellowstone can use volcanic heat near the surface for energy, but the rocks near the surface in Central New York are far cooler.
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