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Welcome to the SMU Geothermal Laboratory Blog

First, an introduction to who we are and what we do.

The SMU Geothermal Laboratory is part of the Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Science at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  The Lab was established in 970 by Dr. David Blackwell, Professor Emeritus and former Hamilton Professor.

The Geothermal Lab is a self-funded research facility, with a variety of ongoing geothermal resource projects.  Our faculty, staff, and students strive to broaden the understanding and use of geothermal energy, from the simplest form – geothermal heat pumps for buildings, to the large-scale deployment of geothermal power plants providing energy for our cities.

Our research also explores opportunities to integrate renewable geothermal projects in an oil & gas setting.  To further this goal, we are hosting our 8th international energy conference and workshop, Power Plays: Geothermal Energy in Oil and Gas Fields, April 25-26, 2016 on the SMU Campus in Dallas, Texas.

Our expertise includes:

Academic research by faculty, staff, and students

SMU 2011 US Heat Flow Map
SMU 2011 US Heat Flow Map
  • Research projects, such as the National Geothermal Data System, Enhanced Geothermal Potential of the Cascades, Geothermal Synthesis of Dixie Valley, Nevada, the use temperature logs for climate change; and the stability of methane hydrates along continental shelves
  • Well logging with high precision Temperature-Depth measurements
SMU Thermal Conductivity Measurement Apparatus
SMU Thermal Conductivity Measurement Apparatus

The Lab assists the public through:

  • Hosting of a Geothermal Energy Utilization conference
  • Teacher and student educational classroom materials
  • A monthly newsletter on the geothermal, oil/gas, and energy industries, along with general information for the public on events, funding, and research opportunities
  • News articles and press releases
  • Suggested publications and papers for those interested in learning more

We are always interested in learning about new geothermal projects, and connecting the others interested in geothermal energy.  Our contact information is:

Maria Richards
Geothermal Lab Coordinator
214-768-1975
mrichard@smu.edu

Cathy Chickering Pace
Project Specialist
214-768-1510
catherine@smu.edu

SMU Geothermal Laboratory
Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences
P.O. Box 750395
Dallas, TX 75275-0395
Phone: 214-768-2749
Fax: 214-768-2701
geothermal@smu.edu
http://www.smu.edu/geothermal
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