Application of geothermal physics to support geotourism development in Maluku Province

Abstract

This investigation aims to determine the hydrophysical gradient and the distribution of shallow surface geothermal manifestations. Geothermal manifestation data acquisition using the hydrophysical method. The manifestation of surface geothermal at the research location is only used by the local community as a place for bathing, and there is no accurate data regarding the potential of geothermal so that it can be used as a development of tourist objects (geotourism). The results showed the distribution of temperature and conductivity of surface hot springs based on hot springs around geothermal energy, consisting of two locations, namely the locations of Tulehu Village, Salahutu Subdistrict, and Nalahia Village, Nusalaut Subdistrict. The Tulehu Village location consists of two loci that are the Hatuasa locus with surface temperature values ranging from (60.1 - 80.9) °C and conductivity values ranging from (0.69 - 0.95) W/m. °C, and Talanghaha locus locations surface temperature values range from (65.5 - 67.5) °C, and conductivity values ranging from (0.68 - 0.78) W/m.°C. Whereas the location of Nalahia Village consists of the Bantang locus which has a surface temperature value of (50.1 - 61.9) °C, and the conductivity value is (0.51 - 0.71) W/m.°C. For this reason, the hydrothermal conditions of geothermal manifestations in the two research sites can be developed into geothermal hot water and maximum therapy to improve the economy of the local community and the development of the geotourism sector in Maluku Province.