Crystal Geyser: The Creation and Significance of the Green River, Utah Man-Made Geyser

In association with

the CO2 Capture project.

Meet the Team Utah State University Research Team

– Geologist: • Jim Evans, Zoë Shipton, Tony Williams, Jason Heath

– Examine rock structure, CO2 sourcing, regional issues

– Historian: • Dawn Martindale

– Creation and damage background, Ruby personal data

Acknowledgements– Financing

• Grants from U.S. government, Oil Companies, European Union, Norway

– Assistance• Green River, Utah community• Student assistants

– Utah State University, LDS Business College

Introduction CO2 Capture Project

– Analog study addressing feasibility of CO2 sequestration• Natural CO2 reservoirs, Navajo Sandstone• Reduce high emissions near power plants, etc.

– Observe natural environment • Crystal Geyser failed system• CO2 released into area, including Green River• Travertine deposits, expanding field

Unexpected outcome– Insight into the life of one elusive, but important

geologist, Glen Ruby– Impact of a originally-viewed failed venture on a small

Utah community

Background What is a geyser?

– Primary Definition: • “A hot spring characterized by imminent discharge of water turbulently and

accomplished by a vapor phase.” USGS

– Extended Definition: • Cold and warm springs powered by gas pressure.

Cold Water Geysers– Man-made geysers, from petroleum drilling– Approx 8-10 identified in 6 states

• Utah, Idaho, California, Minnesota, Wyoming, Arizona

Utah Cold Water Geysers– Crystal, Woodside, Champagne, Tenmile, Tumbleweed

• Little Grand Wash Fault, Colorado River Basin

– Crystal Geyser• CO2 charges, water from San Rafael Swell

Approximate Location of Five Utah Cold-Water Geysers

Note: May be located along ridge or crest of faultEmery and Grand Counties Area Map (Adapted from Green River, Utah website)

Crystal Geyser at Sunset

(Courtesy of Tom King, Green River, Utah.)

Human History of Crystal Geyser

Glen Matthew Ruby Born 12 Oct 1889, Seymour, Iowa to

George and Martha Ruby Education

– Masters in Geology and Engineering. Double minor in English and philosophy from University of Nebraska 1912

Military Service, about 1910 Marriage and Family

– First Wife: Janet, from NE• Son and daughter

– Second Wife: Helen Daynes (widow of Chance Parry)

• Three step-daughters

– Only nephew worked with him in Moab, Utah

Appearance & Personality– Rugged, Outdoorsman- like field

engineer, Compared to President Teddy Roosevelt

– Always carried pencil and paper– Hobbies: outdoor activities, writing

cowboy poetry– Intelligent, a tease, and talented in

finding minerals Professional Experience

– Associations• Cofounder of Alberta Soc of

Petroleum Geologists

– Accomplishments• Consulting firms• VP, manager, etc- oil co.

Oil Field Discoveries– Alaska: Umiat field– Chile: Tierra Del Fuego field– Utah: Big Flat and Clay Basin

Ruby Ranch, 1925- Died 5 January 1976 in SLC

Photo courtesy of Glenna Ruby

The Birth of a Geyser

(Photography by author, 2002.)

Oil Drilling in Utah

Sporadic drilling history prior to 1948– Brief Oil boom in early 1900s

Historical Literature– “The Green River, Utah Oil Field,” SL Mining

Review, 1912.• Description of possible fields

– Include exact locations, depth suggestions, and presence of carbonated water

– “Oil and Gas near Green River, Grand Co., Utah,” USGS publication, 1912.

1912 Map of Green River, Utah Oil Fields

(adapted from SL Mining Review, 1912)

Ruby Well #1 and the “Wildcat”– Motivation

• Owned Ruby Ranch in area• Search for oil in locality prior

– Location• Select land 9 miles south of Green River, along the river banks

– Drilling Project (Tracked by local newspaper- Times Independent)

• Equipment arrive in October• Spudded 27 Nov 1935• Jan 16th- drilling mud thrown 60 ft into the air

– Only one of many problems with large quantities of water

• Abandoned 30 June 1936– Water and gas problems

• Depth 2,627 feet

– 1937: Local newspaper reports geysers from well regularly erupting.

Facts about Crystal Geyser Why is it called Crystal Geyser?

– No one knows– Local rumor: due to clearness of water

Eruption Statistics– Cycle

• Originally: Every hour, on the hour (compared to Old Faithful)• Today: Every 14 to 16 hours

– Duration• Fifteen mins to 2 hours

– Height• Originally: 150 ft• Today: 40 to 100 feet, average near 50-60 feet

– Mineral Content• Sulfur, Iron, sandstone, shale, siltstone, salt, travertine, carbon dioxide,

Crystal Geyser during a two hour eruption, 2002.

(Photograph by author)

Change in Ownership– Glen Ruby, Roy Cook, Steve Cook, City of Green River

Damage Done– Rocks and railroad ties- local inhabitants– Capping and Dynamite: 1940s-1950s

• Mud pot formations

– Pipe Welding: 1950-60s, 1990s– Re-drilling, 1990s- Beaman Drilling Co.– Visitors (scientists, river-runners, curious on-lookers,

locals)• Average 800 visitors a year (includes those who float and drive to site)• Local Easter tradition

Academic Studies– General observations– Concerns about salt, 1970s study– Understanding carbon dioxide

Crystal Geyser Area (photographs by author, 2002.)

What does it mean to the community today? Tourism

– Museum– Outdoor company guides

Tradition– Family Picnics and outings– Local and family history

Future– Area of grant-funded development– Increase attraction to community

Various minerals and formations. (Photograph by author, 2002)

Conclusion

Although deemed a failure by Glen Ruby, the town of Green River utilizes the site to attract visitors and partially support the local economy.

Regardless of the continual reduction in eruption cycle lengths and duration, Crystal Geyser continues to provide an awe-inspiring spectacle