Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau

High-temperature geothermal systems hold promise for sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation. However, China’s geothermal power capacity significantly underutilizes its abundant resources. This study focuses on the geothermal potential of the Pamir Plateau, particularly its northea...

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Main Authors: Feng Chen, Shihua Qi, Shuai Wang, Genyi He, Boyuan Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-10-01
Series:Water
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/20/3583
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author Feng Chen
Shihua Qi
Shuai Wang
Genyi He
Boyuan Zhao
author_facet Feng Chen
Shihua Qi
Shuai Wang
Genyi He
Boyuan Zhao
author_sort Feng Chen
collection DOAJ
description High-temperature geothermal systems hold promise for sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation. However, China’s geothermal power capacity significantly underutilizes its abundant resources. This study focuses on the geothermal potential of the Pamir Plateau, particularly its northeastern edge, where complex tectonic forces converge. We aim to unveil the mechanisms driving the emergence of high-temperature geothermal reservoirs in this unique geological setting. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals diverse profiles in geothermal water, primarily derived from atmospheric precipitation. Estimation of reservoir temperatures and simulation of geotherms unveil distinct geothermal systems. Kongur exhibits a medium–low-temperature hydrothermal system and Tashkurgan demonstrates high-temperature hydrothermal system characteristics, while the Pamir’s northeastern edge hints at a potential high-temperature dry geothermal system where there might not be a fault. These findings have important implications for sustainable energy development and future geothermal exploration.
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spelling doaj.art-116a1094274a4e0191d24aeafce6ee2d2023-11-19T18:29:47ZengMDPI AGWater2073-44412023-10-011520358310.3390/w15203583Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir PlateauFeng Chen0Shihua Qi1Shuai Wang2Genyi He3Boyuan Zhao4The Second Hydrologic Engineering Geology Brigade of Xinjiang Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Changji 831100, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, ChinaSchool of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaThe Second Hydrologic Engineering Geology Brigade of Xinjiang Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Changji 831100, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, ChinaHigh-temperature geothermal systems hold promise for sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation. However, China’s geothermal power capacity significantly underutilizes its abundant resources. This study focuses on the geothermal potential of the Pamir Plateau, particularly its northeastern edge, where complex tectonic forces converge. We aim to unveil the mechanisms driving the emergence of high-temperature geothermal reservoirs in this unique geological setting. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals diverse profiles in geothermal water, primarily derived from atmospheric precipitation. Estimation of reservoir temperatures and simulation of geotherms unveil distinct geothermal systems. Kongur exhibits a medium–low-temperature hydrothermal system and Tashkurgan demonstrates high-temperature hydrothermal system characteristics, while the Pamir’s northeastern edge hints at a potential high-temperature dry geothermal system where there might not be a fault. These findings have important implications for sustainable energy development and future geothermal exploration.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/20/3583geothermal systemPamir plateauwater geochemistryradioactive heat productionhot dry rock
spellingShingle Feng Chen
Shihua Qi
Shuai Wang
Genyi He
Boyuan Zhao
Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau
Water
geothermal system
Pamir plateau
water geochemistry
radioactive heat production
hot dry rock
title Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau
title_full Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau
title_fullStr Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau
title_full_unstemmed Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau
title_short Unraveling the Genesis of the Geothermal System at the Northeastern Edge of the Pamir Plateau
title_sort unraveling the genesis of the geothermal system at the northeastern edge of the pamir plateau
topic geothermal system
Pamir plateau
water geochemistry
radioactive heat production
hot dry rock
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/20/3583
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AT shuaiwang unravelingthegenesisofthegeothermalsystematthenortheasternedgeofthepamirplateau
AT genyihe unravelingthegenesisofthegeothermalsystematthenortheasternedgeofthepamirplateau
AT boyuanzhao unravelingthegenesisofthegeothermalsystematthenortheasternedgeofthepamirplateau