Geothermal Energy

Current research addresses fundamental and applied aspects of geothermal energy resources. Projects investigate controls on formation permeability, fracture evolution, heat flow, and the prospects for developing commercial scale geothermal energy from deep sedimentary basins. Projects on the structural and tectonic evolution of geothermal systems combine novel thermochronometric and geochemical tools. Collaborative projects investigate the utility of using supercritical carbon dioxide as a heat extracting fluid from deep lower permeability sedimentary formations or hot dry rock environments.

Faculty

	Shujuan Mao Environmental seismology, Hydrogeophysics, Geothermal energy, Carbon sequestration, Critical-zone processes, Time-lapse imaging, Ambient seismic field, 4D seismology
	Nicola Tisato Experimental rock physics and rock mechanics. Digital Rock Physics. Speleology. Seismic wave attenuation, Physical properties of rocks, Wave-Induced-Phenomena, Genesis of caves and speleothems, Reservoir characterization, Nuclear waste management.

Lecturers

Kenneth W Wisian Geothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development

Research Scientists

	Shuvajit Bhattacharya Petrophysics, Formation Evaluation, Quantitative Seismic Interpretation, Machine Learning, Integrated Subsurface Characterization, Carbon Sequestration
	Tingwei (Lucy) Ko Source Rock Characterization Geochemistry (Organic, Biomarker, Gas Isotope) Mudrock Characterization Petrography, SEM
	Kenneth W Wisian Geothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development

Research Staff

	Mohsen Ahmadian Program Manager for the Advanced Energy Consortium Managing multidisciplinary nanosensor, miniaturized electronics, and smart materials research for the assessment of subsurface properties in various applications, including energy exploration, geothermal, CCUS, etc. https://www.beg.utexas.edu/aec/
	Richard J Chuchla Graduate studies were focused on igneous processes, magmatism and related formation of ore deposits. Professional career included exploration for base and precious metal ore deposits, coal assessment and development, and research, exploration and development in the upstream sector of the oil and gas business. Managerial positions led to development of ...