Exploration is a vital component in the production of geothermal power. And even though many existing geothermal power plants are located near hot springs, simply looking for areas with active hot springs and geysers is not enough. A thorough knowledge and understanding of field geology is required to find consistently reliable sources of the two key components of geothermal energy production- heat and water.

Field geology is the study of the Earth’s rock and minerals on a large scale. Field geologists study the Earth’s crust and perform surveys to create detailed geological maps that provide clues to what is happening below the surface. It is not a new science; the oil and mining industries have long used field geology to find new areas of exploration. And while the study of field geology has benefited greatly from this association, these are extractive industries chasing finite resources. On the other hand, geothermal power is renewable and non-polluting and some of the best field geologists in the world are now working with geothermal developers to find viable areas for commercial geothermal energy production.

The continued exploration and development of geothermal power is key to reducing our reliance on harmful, non-sustainable energy production such as coal, oil and natural gas.