Integrated Geophysical and Geological Workflow for Geothermal Exploration in Turkey

The magnetotelluric method (MT), through imaging of the electrical resistivity in the subsurface, provides useful information regarding the geologic, compositional and hydraulic conditions of geothermal systems. Data-driven 3D MT modelling results were analyzed with geologic data to maximize the chance of success for geothermal exploration in West Anatolia, Turkey. 3D resistivity model from unconstrained modelling is interpreted with available geologic data to reconstruct geoelectrical basement geometry, identifying areas of differential subsidence due to a more segmented and compartmentalized sedimentary basin, or actual upwelling features related to an active geothermal field. Comparison with lithology extracted from a well within the survey showed a consistency between the data-driven resistivity distribution and the geology, thus increasing the confidence on the obtained results The possibility of having a geophysical methodology able to quickly identify main tectonic interpretable discontinuities is crucial to narrow the choices, locate the most promising geothermal prospects and make sound decisions in terms of drilling geothermal wells.