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  • Offer Profile
  • The University of Auckland conducts world class research in the geology and geochemistry of geothermal areas. A key focus of The University’s research in geothermal geology and geochemistry is the investigation of regional and local causes and effects of fluid flow in the crust and water rock reaction. Geothermal geology and geochemistry expertise resides in the Faculty of Science (Geology Program, School of Environment) and the Institute of Earth Science & Engineering (IESE). These two groups work collaboratively as The GEOFLUIDS Research Group of The University of Auckland. The GEOFLUIDS Research Group has research and teaching expertise in:
    • Geochemistry of groundwater, surface water, and pollutant geochemistry
    • Magmas and magma-evolved fl uids
    • Hydrocarbons and seeps
    • Timing and rates of fl uid-fl ow
    • Silica chemistry in nature and power stations
Product Portfolio
  • Our research

      • The IESE is a research and development organisation at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. We work on a range of topics in the areas of geothermal energy, geo-hazards and environment, especially as they relate to the earth between the deepest drill holes and tallest buildings.
        The backbone of IESE is its engagement in pure, applied and relevant research and professional training focused on the accessible earth – that portion from which our resources come and whose processes and hazards that impact people.
        We seek to conduct our research in partnership with industry, government, and other universities.

        Our science
        We have a strong focus on geothermal systems, covering areas of geothermal geophysics and geology, geothermal geochemistry and mineralogy. We also study earthquake and volcano hazards, with particular reference to those in the Auckland area and along New Zealand’s Alpine fault. Similarly, we are interested in the impact of both natural changes and industrial and cultural activities on geological processes.  

      • Borehole Seismology & Seismic Network

      • At IESE our seismic research interests lie in the study of tectonics and micro-earthquakes, borehole seismic networks and the application of this knowledge and technology to geothermal exploration and micro-seismic monitoring.
        The IESE senior scientific team has more than 25 years field experience in designing borehole networks and deploying instrumentation in plate boundaries, fault zones and geothermal fields around the world for national governments and other major industry clients.
      • Deep Borehole Instrumentation

      • The IESE is a world leader in deep borehole instrumentation. Our research focuses on designing seismic instruments to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature for permanent installation within variable and extreme borehole environments.
        Based on our extensive experience, seismometer designs feature passive sensors which provide long term reliability for micro-earthquake monitoring.
      • Geothermal Exploration

      • We are taking our geothermal research expertise one step further with advanced technology that is transforming the way geothermal developers can access new sources of energy around the world.

        We provide geothermal consulting services including turn-key geothermal exploration surveys, deployment of borehole seismic networks, and custom build seismometers for geothermal exploration and microseismic monitoring.
      • Volcanology and Geo-Hazard Research

      • We apply basic research to practical issues of volcanic hazard risk assessment and mitigation, and in the exploration of geothermal resources.

        Devora is a seven year research programme which aims to improve the assessment of volcanic hazard and risk to the Auckland metropolitan area.
      • Joint Geophysical Imaging

      • For more than 50 years, the technology to exploit geothermal energy has been readily available. While the technology for power production is proven and is cost effective, the initial cost of drilling wells is staggering. Geothermal energy projects risk failure when expensive production wells come up dry.
        IESE's unique Joint Geophysical Imaging (JGI) technology is turning around some of those old risk calculations, by helping pinpoint optimum geothermal drilling sites much more accurately than before and for a fraction of total project costs.
  • Seismic Services and Geothermal Consulting

  • IESE provides geothermal exploration and seismic monitoring services on behalf of governments and industry. Our extensive project site experience includes the Americas, the Southwest Pacific, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
    We apply our cutting edge geothermal research to commercial services in geophysical exploration, borehole seismology, custom borehole instrumentation, reservoir monitoring, and advanced modelling.
    Drawing on expertise from across The University of Auckland, we are also a recognised leader in research on geo-hazards and the environment, and undertake commercial research and consulting on a wide range of related areas, including significant experience in reservoir modelling, seismic risk, and volcanic hazards.
    We additionally provide introductory to advanced geothermal short course training programmes. These courses are often tailored for energy company training needs both within New Zealand and internationally.
      • Custom Borehole Instrumentation

      • IESE-SONDI, the seismic service and borehole instrumentation arm of the Institute of Earth Science and Engineering has more than 30 years experience in designing, building and deploying long-term and permanent borehole seismic instruments. The seismometers are designed and manufactured at IESE's seismometer workshop at The University of Auckland, New Zealand. IESE-SONDI was founded in 2007 when Auckland UniServices Ltd of The University of Auckland acquired SONDI and Consultants. Originally established in 1989, SONDI specialised in custom geophysical exploration projects and surface and borehole geophysical instruments.
      • Borehole and Surface Seismic Networks

        • Network design, equipment fabrication, installation, operation and maintenance
        • Standard data analysis and interpretation Earthquake locations
          - Simple velocity models
        • Special data analysis and interpretation.
          - Seismic velocity and velocity–ratio tomography
          - Fracture density and orientation
          - Secondary arrival identification and Kirchhoff migration
          - Moment tensors and microseismotectonics
  • Applied Research Projects

      • The Institute of Earth Science and Engineering (IESE) functions as a key point of contact at The University of Auckland, New Zealand for the provision of geothermal-related research and development including geophysical exploration, borehole seismology, reservoir monitoring, and advanced modelling.
        IESE has specialties in geophysical measurement and interpretation in support of basic and applied geological studies, geothermal geoscience and technology, volcano and earthquake hazards, and borehole geophysical instrumentation.
        Currently, more than half of IESE’s research activities are associated with improving geothermal exploration success, reservoir development and modelling, and seismic monitoring instrumentation.
        The Institute has conducted geothermal research projects in the Americas, the Southwest Pacific, Asia, Europe, East Africa, and the Middle East.
    • The Underground Eye – Cutting Edge Subsurface Imaging Technology

    • The Underground Eye project is developing new imaging methods, and researching into the geophysical landscape of New Zealand, allowing the discovery of geothermal power and fossil fuel resources, monitoring of faults and volcanic fields for signs of impending events, and providing an integrated, 3-dimensional subsurface view of New Zealand.
    • Microseismic Monitoring - Wairakei Geothermal Field

    • In 2008, IESE installed a world-class borehole seismic array in the oldest operating geothermal field in New Zealand. The network provides real-time data about the microearthquake activity in the field. The field operator, Contact Energy, will use these data to monitor, manage, and possibly expand operations at the Wairakei field.
    • Harnessing New Zealand’s Geothermal Resources – Hotter and Deeper (FRST II)

    • To achieve the goal of generating 20% of New Zealand’s electricity from geothermal energy by 2025, geothermal wells will have to be deeper, hotter, and more productive. This collaborative research program aims to identify and understand fracture systems from 3 - 7 km below the Earth’s crust.
    • Geothermal Exploration – West Indies Volcanic Islands, Caribbean

    • The Institute of Earth Science and Engineering (IESE) is applying its cutting edge techniques to geothermal exploration in the Caribbean. IESE led exploration on the Island of Nevis has led to the drilling of several successful exploration wells and the discovery of a high temperature exploitable resource.