Deciphering Geothermal Resources in Deccan Trap Region using Electrical Resistivity Tomography Technique

Abstract

Exploration of Geothermal resources is important from energy point of view. Western margin of volcanic Deccan traps, also known as Western Ghats, is characterized with the presence of numerous hot springs. The resistivity contrast for the geothermal reservoir rock and the surrounding host rock is significantly high in volcanic terrain which is the case of present study. In such cases the resistivity associated with geothermal reservoirs usually varies from <5 to 15 Ohm-m regardless of how high resistivity is outside the reservoir zone. Direct current (DC) resitivity method is proved to be more suitable method for delineation of groundwater reservoirs. The present work describes the results of electrical resistivity tomography survey carried out at four hot spring sites located at Unhavare (Khed), Tural, Rajwadi and Aravali villages of Chiplun taluk in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra for delineation of the geothermal reservoirs and associated geological features like faults and fractures responsible for vertical movement of geothermal water with the sole purpose of harnessing geothermal energy. In addition to this, the present study is also aimed to delineate the groundwater reservoirs with normal temperature for exploration purpose to meet the local water supply demand. The interpreted results of the field data suggest the presence of two potential geothermal reservoirs at Unhavare (Khed) and one each at Tural and Aravali. Potential groundwater zones with normal temperature are also delineated for groundwater exploration at Rajwadi and Aravali sites.

Comparative study of Wenner and Schlumberger electrical resistivity method for groundwater investigation: a case study from Dhule district (M.S.), India

“…The application of resistivity is also used in coal and mineral exploration, but commonly, the method is used for groundwater exploration (Zohdy et al 1974;Ayolabi 2005;Krishnamurthy et al 2009;Kumar et al 2011;Swartz 1937; Udaya Laxmi and Ramadass 2009). Studies on dykes have been carried out to classify the dykes as carrier or barrier for groundwater flow (Erram et al 2010;Singh and Jamal 2002;GSDA 2001).…”

Geoelectric investigation to delineate groundwater potential and recharge zones in Suki river basin, north Maharashtra

“…The vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique has been effectively used by many researchers in diverse fields of application including groundwater investigations (Devi et al 2001;Lenkey et al 2005;Hamzah et al 2007;Gupta et al 2012), groundwater contamination studies (Karlik and Kaya 2013), saltwater intrusion problems (Edet and Okereke 2001;Hodlur et al 2006;Song et al 2007;Adeoti et al 2010;Hermans et al 2012;Maiti et al 2013b;Gupta et al 2014), and geothermal explorations (El-Qady et al 2000;Majumdar et al 2000;Kumar et al 2011).…”

Groundwater Prospects in Basaltic formations of Mangaon, Raigad District from Electrical Resistivity Imaging Technique

“…Several researchers have used the resistivity technique for a variety of applications including groundwater studies 7,8 , groundwater contamination studies 9 , saltwater intrusion problems 10 and geothermal explorations 11 . Systematic hydrogeological and geophysical studies have been undertaken in the past in the Deccan traps region [12][13][14][15][16] to delineate aquifers and the incidence of groundwater in intertrappeans/vesicular and fractured zones within the trap succession and sedimentary formations underneath the traps, which are supposed to be potential for groundwater.…”