National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Dynamic Maps, GIS Data, and Analysis Tools

Geothermal Maps

Geothermal resource potential depends on many factors. The geothermal resource potential map (JPG 110 KB) for the contiguous 48 United States is a composite of heat flow, thermal gradient, and sediment thickness. The map was created by NREL using data provided by the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory. This resource data represents approximate areas where more intensive geothermal uses will most likely be found. Areas labeled as "good" are more likely to represent direct-use applications (e.g., direct heating of buildings, aqua culture, greenhouses). Areas labeled as "excellent" represent areas where electricity applications are potentially possible. The Alaska and Hawaii estimates are based on publications by those states indicating the probability of a region containing developable geothermal resource.