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Experimental petrology is a laboratory-based study aimed at understanding geological processes through observations of natural samples, experiments, and simulations. This study has played a crucial role in understanding the Earth's interior, magma formation mechanisms, and mineralization.
Astin Nurdiana, Ph.D., explained how fluid-rock reaction experiments could be analogized as "cooking with simple ingredients" to understand supercritical geothermal systems. Some of the key equipment used in experimental petrology included:

- Piston-cylinder apparatus (medium pressure, up to ~4 GPa)

- Multi-anvil press (high pressure, up to ~25 GPa)

- Diamond anvil cell (extreme pressure, >100 GPa)

- Cold-seal (~200 MPa, ~600°C)

- Flow-through (~40 MPa, ~400°C)

- Batch experiment (25-300°C; ~800-2000°C)

Supercritical geothermal was introduced as a potential energy source with higher efficiency compared to conventional geothermal. Supercritical water, which exists under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, contains greater energy than regular geothermal steam. In the context of exploration, key aspects such as water-rock interaction, rock mechanics, and energy enthalpy were identified as crucial for the development of this technology.
Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest geothermal capacity in the world, ranking second after the United States, with a capacity of 2,418 MW. An example of a well-studied supercritical geothermal system is Kakkonda in Japan, which derives heat from Kakkonda granite rock. Well WD-1, with a total depth of 3,729 meters, discovered supercritical fluids at 500°C.

Core sample observations from a depth of 1.5-2.8 km revealed the presence of andesitic tuff rock (1.5 km) and Kakkonda granite (2.6-2.7 km). The feldspar replacement phenomenon observed in this granite highlights the importance of porosity networks in supporting fluid movement within the Earth's crust.
Experimental petrology not only supports geothermal exploration but also plays a role in carbon capture & storage (CCS) technology. This study aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including renewable energy (SDG 7), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), climate action (SDG 13), as well as life below water and on land (SDG 14 & 15).

Through this SEMAT x Career Talk, students and geology practitioners are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the role of experimental petrology in energy resource exploration and sustainable climate change mitigation solutions.

Reporter: Rayhan Adri Fulvian (Geophysical Engineering, 2021)

Translator: Yafi Amri (Meteorology, 2021)