Eruptions

I'd like to know what really happens. Presumably the drill bit can handle the temperature, as presumably the temperature gardient is small enough that several meters before it was nearly as hot? If the stuff is viscous, and not under much pressure, I'd presume not too much. But, can you withdraw the drill bit intact? Or does it get too gummed up? Could you avoid hitting magma, by monitoring drillhole temperature, and stopping when it gets too high? If the magma was under pressure, is the combination of viscosity, and thermal conductivity high enough it would only squeeze up a little way, than harden -or could the result be more dramatic?

Posted by: bigTom | June 27, 2009 12:49 AM

@bigTom: No, the drill bit cannot withstand the temperature; when it gets too hot the physical properties change and the bit fails.

"Drill fluid" is continuously pumped as the drill operates - this serves to wash out the stuff being ground away and also keep the drill bit cool.

I don't know what sensors can be put into the drills (if any); you'd have to ask someone from the oil and gas industry. Personally I would have expected the drill fluid to increase in temperature rather dramatically as the magma was approached, but I'm only guessing.

At 5km depth, the magma will be under very high pressure - perhaps 30-40MPa. The stuff is rather viscuous though and I wouldn't even expect it to make it out of the drill hole; it will cool down and plug itself. These holes really aren't that large - for oil and gas we're looking at typical sizes of 10-15cm diameter and occasionally a bit larger than that.

I like the story about drilling which is alleged to have triggered a "mud eruption" in Indonesia. :) About a year ago at a conference, a number of groups got together and said that drilling caused the eruption; the company that was drilling vehemently denies it of course since that would make them liable for the damage caused. I find it rather amazing that mud is being pumped out; I can imagine water being pushed out under pressure as with an artesian well, but mud is really something. Perhaps there is an aquifer with extensive horizontal silty layers which have not cemented into rock and that's the stuff being washed out.

Posted by: MadScientist | June 27, 2009 4:55 AM

Yes, there are temperature indicators you can put on the bit to determine temperature, but not until you've pulled the bit out of the well, nothing real-time. Also there are logging tools that are lowered down the well after the drill assembly is pulled out of the hole, but these are recording temps while cooling fluids are being pumped down-hole at a fairly high rate.
Also, there's plenty of rhyolite and granophyre in Iceland:) Obviously there's a lot more basalt though.

Posted by: naomi | June 27, 2009 8:58 PM

I am wondering if there have been any attempts to generate a
controlled flow of lava through a borehole for energy generation.
The pipes would need some sort of thermal insulation and/or pre-
heating to avoid solidification when the lava first flows through the relatively cool bore-hole, but presumably that can be achieved.
When the lava is sufficiently low in viscosity, one could
maintain a steady flow, which keeps the surroundings of the
bore-hole hot and prevents the lava from clogging to the walls.
I realize that its easier to extract energy from steam
than from sticky lava, but the large availability of lava near
the surface in some locations combined with the high energy release when solidifying could give it some potential. Any thoughts?.

Posted by: Jelle Boersma | April 8, 2010 6:47 PM

The closing paragraph tells it all in my opinion. I need to say that I agree with it, and the most great factor about it is that you left it open ended…this reveals that you're prepared to attract in new and totally different opinions and that you're in the end very interested to see people getting concerned within the subject. So, any different opinions?

Posted by: Brian Jackels | December 9, 2010 3:10 PM

Insightful job. Going to need a bit of time to think over this story=)

Posted by: Leann Bolt | January 1, 2011 1:48 PM

You actually make it appear to be so easy with your presentation but I realize that topic being really an issue that I think I might never ever understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I will be looking forward for your future post, I will try to get the hang of it!

Posted by: Phyllis Lyman | January 12, 2011 4:28 AM

came here from wired search. Your post has become a little contentious. Might want to participate there so they can talk to you easier and you can meet new eyeballs.

Posted by: Lovetta Kogel | January 30, 2011 3:15 AM

Amazingly, your piece goes to the heart of the topic. Your clarity leaves me wanting to know more. Just so you know, i’ll immediately grab your feed to keep up currently with your online blog. Sounding Out thanks is merely my little way of claiming what a masterpiece for a fantastic resource. Take On my best wishes for your subsequent publish.

Posted by: Justin Dane | May 7, 2011 9:39 AM

I have noticed that clever real estate agents everywhere are getting set to FSBO Promoting. They are recognizing that it's in addition to placing a sign in the front place. It's really regarding building relationships with these dealers who sooner or later will become purchasers. So, once you give your time and efforts to assisting these dealers go it alone - the "Law associated with Reciprocity" kicks in. Thanks for your blog post.

Posted by: Samsung galaxy mini | June 17, 2011 3:55 AM

Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just too wonderful. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can't wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific website.

Posted by: Austin investment property listings | July 7, 2011 9:25 AM

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I've really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

Posted by: Diet Pills That Work | July 26, 2011 12:38 PM

The recession is not over by a long shot. But the economy has improved greatly from where it was at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. The stock market has stableized and has improved in many areas. The Bush and Obama loans, as vile as they were, have halted the hell in a handbasket scenario that we were in. I believe job creation will eventually occur, but employment gains will be slow and full employment may never happen. The bailout loans may actually prove profitable for the treasury. The biggest problem is the huge federal defecit. The upper tax rate needs to be raised toat least 45% from its present 35% (It was 90% when Ike was president).

Posted by: Corie Vreeman | August 7, 2011 8:17 PM

A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.

Posted by: my padmedia.com | August 13, 2011 4:57 AM

Su articulo era muy informativo. Mil gracias por tu contribucion al internet con tu pagina.. Chau

Posted by: 7th heaven online | August 30, 2011 4:07 AM

You may have not intended to do so, but I assume you might have managed to express the state of mind that a lot of folks are in. The sense of wanting to help, but not knowing how or in which, is some thing a lot of us are going through.

Posted by: nokia n8 | October 1, 2011 2:50 PM

I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

Posted by: ysl makeup | October 4, 2011 3:41 AM

Not a big weblog user but I did like this more than I imagined.

Posted by: action heroes | October 12, 2011 8:35 PM

He tied a couple of things the GOP wanted to this bill such as reduce the cut to the doctors on Medicare and then demands that they vote for the billions to help out the unions and states like CA. We helped out CA once and what happened? They ran up their deficiet again, expecting to be bailed out again. And the people then insisted it would never happen. Right.

Posted by: Lawn Care Bloomington Indiana | October 23, 2011 6:44 PM

I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

Posted by: Best Buy promotional code | November 1, 2011 4:39 AM

I like Your Article about Drilling into active magma : Eruptions Perfect just what I was searching for! .

Posted by: Android Apps | November 11, 2011 3:17 AM

This article is obviously written for people like me with curious minds. I agree with several of the points written in this article. Thank you.

Posted by: extraction thimbles | November 19, 2011 4:12 AM

Great goods from you, man. Drilling into active magma : Eruptions I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too fantastic. I really like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you're saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can't wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific Drilling into active magma : Eruptions informations.

Posted by: Android Apps | December 12, 2011 3:21 AM