I have been dedicated my scientific career to the understanding of the geological processes associated with natural mineral and geothermal resources. As such ….
I believe that we can improve our society by developing innovative solution for our future energy needs. This is why I work in geothermal, first I am fascinating by the geological nature that is a clear display of the forces of Earth but as well because understanding the object can help us better utilise nature to satisfy our energetic needs without corrupting it.
This is why we are working together, because I believe New Zealand can be the future country for clean energy.
Without a hesitation, the brainstorming! I love putting people together in a room, exchanging ideas and point of view, putting everything on a whiteboard and discussing the fundamental knowledge we need to understand but as well how all the science needs to benefit to the society, to all of us.
This actually is quite challenging I have been touching a lot of things and my publication list records these various interests. One of the most recent I think will be the scientific work we did on Ngatamariki geothermal field. We published 3 papers on this field, in collaboration with Mercury Energy, refining the entire geological framework of the field.
Chambefort, I.;Lewis, B.; Wilson, C.J.N.; Rae, A.J.; Coutts, C.; Bignall, G.; Ireland, T.R.2014.Stratigraphy and structure of the Ngatamariki geothermal system from new zirconU-Pb geochronology : implications for Taupo Volcanic Zone evolution. Journal ofVolcanology and Geothermal Research, 274: 51-70
Chambefort, I.;Buscarlet, E.; Wallis, I.C.; Sewell, S.; Wilmarth, M. 2016. Ngatamariki Geothermal Field, New Zealand: geology, geophysics, chemistry and conceptual model. p. 266-280; doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2015.07.011 In: Chambefort, I.; Bignall, G. (eds) TaupoVolcanic Zone geothermal systems, New Zealand: Exploration, science and development. Elsevier. Geothermics 59B
Chambefort, I.;Lewis, B.; Simpson, M.P.; Bignall, G.; Rae, A.J.; Ganefianto, N. 2017. Ngatamariki geothermal system:Magmatic to epithermal transition in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand.Economic Geology 112(2): 319-346. doi: 0361-0128/17/4471/1-28.
What was the research finding?
Our research was focussed on understanding what could be the thermal and mineralogical conditions of the rocks surrounding a magmatic intrusion. We needthis insight knowledge to better understand future drilling closer to amagmatic source.
Why is it important?
We need this insight knowledge to better understand future drilling closer to amagmatic source. We want to utilise theheat from magma in the crust but not drilling to close that we have magmatic acid gas coming in the bore.
Where are you?
Top of the Basin and Range Yerington Nevada.
What are you doing?
I was part of a field trip led by my long-time colleague Prof John Dilles on the Yerington Porphyry Copper district. I have learned a lot about magmas and hydrothermal systems by looking at rocks that are now present at the surface in particular
Read more about Isabelle's experience here.