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Hyper-permeable granite: lessons from test-pumping in the Eastgate Geothermal Borehole, Weardale, UK

P.L. Younger and D.A.C. Manning
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 43, 5-10, 16 February 2010, https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-085
P.L. Younger
1 Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research, c/o Executive Office, Newcastle University, 6 Kensington Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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D.A.C. Manning
2 Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability/School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Devonshire Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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Abstract

Abstract Extremely high permeability has been found at 410 m depth in the Weardale Granite, UK, during exploratory drilling for low-enthalpy geothermal resources. The Eastgate Borehole was sunk down the axis of an ancient, sub-vertical hydrothermal vein structure (the Slitt Vein), proving a transmissivity in excess of 4000 darcy m (= 3 × 10−9 m2 m), which is one of the highest values ever measured deep within a granite intrusion. Sustained hydraulic testing over 24 h showed that this transmissivity was not local to the borehole: sustained flows and steadying of drawdown suggest that this transmissivity persists along the strike of the Slitt Vein structure. Although this finding is encouraging in relation to the prospects for geothermal energy development in this and similar granites, it raises disquieting issues in relation to assumptions commonly made during planning for radioactive waste isolation concerning the feasible maximum permeability likely to be encountered in granite.

  • © 2010 Geological Society of London
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Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology: 43 (1)
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
Volume 43, Issue 1
February 2010
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Hyper-permeable granite: lessons from test-pumping in the Eastgate Geothermal Borehole, Weardale, UK

P.L. Younger and D.A.C. Manning
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 43, 5-10, 16 February 2010, https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-085
P.L. Younger
1 Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research, c/o Executive Office, Newcastle University, 6 Kensington Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
  • Find this author on Google Scholar
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D.A.C. Manning
2 Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability/School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Devonshire Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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  • Find this author on PubMed
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Hyper-permeable granite: lessons from test-pumping in the Eastgate Geothermal Borehole, Weardale, UK

P.L. Younger and D.A.C. Manning
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 43, 5-10, 16 February 2010, https://doi.org/10.1144/1470-9236/08-085
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