1. Crystal Geyser: The Creation and Significance of the Green River, Utah Man-Made Geyser In association with the CO 2 Capture project.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Approximate Location of Five Utah Cold-Water Geysers Note: May be located along ridge or crest of fault Emery and Grand Counties Area Map (Adapted from Green River, Utah website)

6. Crystal Geyser at Sunset (Courtesy of Tom King, Green River, Utah.) Human History of Crystal Geyser

7. 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

8.  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

9. The Birth of a Geyser (Photography by author, 2002.)

10. 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.

11. 1912 Map of Green River, Utah Oil Fields (adapted from SL Mining Review, 1912)

12.  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 16 th- 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.

13. 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,

14. Crystal Geyser during a two hour eruption, 2002. (Photograph by author)

15.  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

16. Crystal Geyser Area (photographs by author, 2002.)

17. 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

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

19. 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