Application of magnetotelluric (MT) study for the identification of shallow and deep aquifers in Dholera geothermal region

Abstract

In India geothermal energy is still in nascent stage and there are several geothermal regions which are not explored. By exploring these fields India will be able to understand the potential of geothermal energy and its application for power generation and development in other industrial and agricultural sectors. As world is switching from conventional to renewable energy sector, geothermal energy will be one of the most promising alternative for fossil fuels. The Cambay region of West Coast continental margin has enormous geothermal potentials. In this paper one such geothermal zone of Cambay Basin namely Dholera has been explored to understand the potential of the region. An extensive MT survey has been carried out in this region along 6 profile lines and 66 station points. The main aim of the paper is to identify the shallow and deep aquifer zones in the study area for exploitation of geothermal energy which can be used for various societal benefits. In order to explore aquifer potentials MT data was acquired using System2000.net Phoenix Geophysics Ltd. equipment. This is the first high resolution 3D seismic survey was carried out in the study area in order to identify the geothermal sweet spots. Skew, Tipper and Polar diagrams were prepared to understand the dimension of the identified conductive bodies. The interpretation of MT data in the form of geoelectrical maps indicate presence of high conductive zones at 5 km depth extending up to 7 km. This high conductive bodies indicates the presence of aquifers which can be the zone of interest. Drilling will target these zones to exploite geothermal water.