10-08-2012, 07:09 AM
A recent article from HI Volcano Observatory addressed the issue of subsidence and whether it is a natural occurrence or if geothermal development contributes to it. All the examples cited were from geothermal wellfields, but the answer was "both". Interestingly, in discussing the matter, the scientist mentioned that the geology and geochemistry are different in the other locations than in Hawaii. So comparing our geothermal and vulcanism with Iceland or anywhere else is apples and oranges. We need to deal with the reality HERE. What works in California, where the state monitors intensively, and where the wellfields are far removed from homes, and where there is no actively erupting volcano and a whole different geology, is totally irrelevant to our situation here. Let's learn about here and deal with it appropriately.