Importance

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Abstract

A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., a subsurface formation including oil shale, includes completing a well having fluid communication with the subsurface formation at a first depth and a second lower depth. A fracturing fluid is injected into the well so as to form a fracture at a depth of the subsurface formation, and thereby provides fluid communication between the first and second depths in the well. A cooling fluid is circulated under pressure through the well and into the fracture so as to cause the cooling fluid to flow from the well, into subsurface formation at the first depth, to the subsurface formation at the second depth, and back into the well, thereby lowering the temperature of the subsurface formation.

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First Claim