The SMU Geothermal Lab was established in 1970 by Dr. David Blackwell. We are an active research facility, with a variety of ongoing geothermal resource projects. Our faculty, staff, and students strive to broaden the understanding and use of geothermal energy, from the simplest form - geothermal heat pumps for buildings, to the large-scale deployment of geothermal power plants providing energy for our cities. Our research also explores opportunities to integrate renewable geothermal projects in an oil & gas setting.





Our expertise includes:

Academic research by faculty, staff, and students

Geothermal Maps such as the Geothermal Map of North America

Projects, such as the National Geothermal Data System, the Enhanced Geothermal Potential of the Cascades, the Geothermal Synthesis of Dixie Valley, Nevada

Current research on temperature logs for climate change, the stability of methane hydrates along continental shelves, co-production and distributed geothermal generation

Well logging with high precision Temperature-Depth measurements

Sample analysis of Thermal Conductivity measurement for commercial clients

The Lab assists the public through: