Steam rises from numerous geothermal power plants which are part of the Geysers complex, the largest geothermal complex in the world. Twenty two geothermal power plants draw steam from more than 350 wells. Seismic and gravity studies indicate that the source of the heat for the geothermal power plants is a magma chamber over 8 miles in diameter and 4 miles underground. Calpine Corporation owns and operates 19 of the active geothermal power plants. Electrical production from the Geysers geothermal power plants peaked in 1987 and has declined since then as the underground water source gradually declines. Research and development of new geothermal power technologies called enhanced geothermal systems do not require convective hydrothermal resources and are expected to increase power output from the Geysers geothermal complex in the future.
Mayacamas Mountains
Lake and Sonoma Counties, California
Image ID: AHLB8018
© Herb Lingl/aerialarchives.com
More aerial photography of geothermal power plants.
