Geothermal Resource Mapping in Northern Botswana Inferred from Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Inversion
A set of magnetotelluric (MT) data collected from 28 stations at the Kasane Hot Spring in northern Botswana was used to derive a 3-D model of the electrical resistivity distribution around deep geologic structures that we associated with geothermal resources. The dimensionality analysis results reve...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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Series: | Applied Sciences |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/20/11236 |
Summary: | A set of magnetotelluric (MT) data collected from 28 stations at the Kasane Hot Spring in northern Botswana was used to derive a 3-D model of the electrical resistivity distribution around deep geologic structures that we associated with geothermal resources. The dimensionality analysis results revealed that 3-D modeling should be used to determine the electrical structure. The resistivity models revealed a conductive layer with an average thickness of 200 m, representing the overlying sediments of the Proterozoic volcanic rocks. The thick high-resistivity zone (>100 Ωm) below the conductive layer can be associated with Mesoproterozoic bedrock. The MT measurements in this area show a tube-shaped conductive anomaly that could serve as a fluid pathway feeding the hot spring. A fracture-controlled meteoric fluid circulation presumably determines the existence of the Kasane Hot Spring system. |
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ISSN: | 2076-3417 |