Abstract
The goal of this project is to create a geothermal potential map of BC using an MCE analysis with continuous classifications (rasters), since other previous studies analyzing geothermal potential all used vector shapefiles and discrete classifications. Using continuous classifications could give us higher resolution results. Factors including temperature gradients, heat flow, hot springs, geology, faults, and transmission lines were used in the MCE analysis. The data was processed and normalized prior to use in the MCE analysis.BC has high geothermal potential due to being next to the ring of fire, but this geothermal potential has currently not been exploited to generate energy, although direct uses of these resources, such as hot springs, has been ongoing. Even after a site is located, local exploration of the site could take years, such as at Mount Meager (Allen et al 2000).
Acknowldgements
I would like to thank Brian Klinkenberg and Alejandro Cervantes for teaching this course, and for their help and advice throughout this project. I would also like to thank Sarah Kimball for providing processed temperature gradient and heat flow data for BC.