Lab Research
Research is the lifeblood of the SMU Geothermal Laboratory. For over 50 years it has provided a rich foundation for the educational experience offered to undergraduates and graduate students alike. The main research focus of the SMU Geothermal Lab is exploration and assessment of existing and potential geothermal resources. Areas of expertise include:
- Identification, Assessment and Mapping of Geothermal Resources
- Determination of Methane Hydrate phase changes along the Oceanic Shelves
- Modeling of Hydrothermal Systems, Oil & Gas Fields and Unconventional Geothermal Resources
- On-site Borehole Temperature-Depth Logging
- Measurement of Rock Thermal Conductivity
- Collecting Gravity data, Seismic Reflections, and Well Logs for Basin Modeling
- Replication of Borehole Temperatures for Climate Change impact
- Development and maintenance of Databases
The SMU Geothermal Lab has been the recipient of approximately $10 million in research grants from a variety of sources, including the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, Google.org and private industry.