Introduction to this special section: Geophysical applications to geothermal exploration and development

The three geothermal papers included in this issue's special section present research on microseismic monitoring technologies that have been identified as critical to the development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Recent investments in EGS projects in the U.S. Basin and Range (B&R) geologic province have adapted plug-and-perf stimulation and proppant technology developed in the oil industry to produce hot water from low-permeability metamorphic and granitic rocks where temperatures greater than 200°C can be found at less than 3000 m depth adjacent to existing conventional permeable geothermal reservoirs.