51°µÍø

Research is the lifeblood of the 51°µÍø Geothermal Laboratory. For over 50 years it has provided a rich foundation for the educational experience offered to undergraduates and graduate students alike. The main research focus of the 51°µÍø Geothermal Lab is exploration and assessment of existing and potential geothermal resources. Areas of expertise include:

• Identification, Assessment and Mapping of Geothermal Resources
• Determination of Methane Hydrate phase changes along the Oceanic Shelves
• Modeling of Hydrothermal Systems, Oil & Gas Fields and Unconventional Geothermal Resources
• On-site Borehole Temperature-Depth Logging 
• Measurement of Rock Thermal Conductivity 
• Collecting Gravity data, Seismic Reflections, and Well Logs for Basin Modeling 
• Replication of Borehole Temperatures for Climate Change impact
• Development and maintenance of Databases 

The 51°µÍø Geothermal Lab has been the recipient of approximately $10 million in research grants from a variety of sources, including the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, Google.org and private industry.