Title: Structural, geophysical, and rock-property constraints on sedimentary geothermal systems in the Black Rock Desert, west-central Utah

Presenter: Alex Brettermann, Chevron

Date/Time: December 16th, 2026: 11:30

Location: Chevron – 1400 Smith Street, 50th Floor – 50198, Houston, TX 77002

Abstract: The Black Rock Desert of west-central Utah combines elevated heat flow and Pliocene–Holocene volcanism with Late Jurassic–Eocene thrust faulting, later Cenozoic extension, and basin development. This master's research develops an integrated structural framework for geothermal exploration, with applications to state geologic characterization and industry assessment of potential geothermal reservoirs. Outcrop geology and subcrop (well) data are integrated with published deep seismic-reflection imaging from the COCORP research program, gravity modeling, and magnetotelluric resistivity data to construct two geologically constrained regional cross sections. These sections evaluate how inherited thrust structures and later extension influence the distribution, burial depth, and structural setting of potential reservoir formations. The resulting interpretations distinguish geothermal target settings across the basin and identify remaining uncertainties in how favorable temperatures, reservoir rocks, and possiblefluid pathways overlap.

Bio: Alex Brettmann is an Earth Scientist at Chevron in Houston, working on geothermal exploration. Before joining Chevron, he worked in geothermal exploration and field operations at Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals. He earned his bachelor's degree in geology at Whitman College and his master's in geology at the University of Utah, where his research focused on the subsurface geology and geothermal potential of Utah's Black Rock Desert. His background combines field geology, structural interpretation, and potential-field and electromagnetic geophysical techniques.