Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 s2.0 037565059390051N Main
1 s2.0 037565059390051N Main
00
Printed in Great Britain. Pergamon Press Ltd
CNR.
C. THANASSOULAS and A. L A Z O U
Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (IGME), Department of Geophysical Research,
70 Messoghion Avenue, Athens, 115 - 26, Greece
INTRODUCTION
Geophysical methods are widely used in the study of geothermal fields, along with geological
investigations such as geological mapping, tectonic studies and geochemistry. Variations of the
physical parameters of the matrix rock encountered in the geothermal field are studied in detail
by means of different geophysical methods. Various methodologies are adopted, depending on
the objective of the geophysical studies and the physical quantities to be measured.
Gravity, magnetics, seismic and electrical methods generally are used in order to delineate the
main geophysical structure and hence the geological-tectonic setting of the regional geothermal
area and the geothermal field in particular. Thermal methods (gradient, heat flow, shallow
temperature, infrared photography) are used to delineate the geothermal field and its extent,
while microseismic studies are often used to delineate the geothermal reservoir and microearth-
quakes are used to detect major hydrothermal convection systems.
Surface electrical methods are frequently adopted in exploration for geothermal resources.
The use of these methods is justified by the fact that the electrical conductivity of ionic
conductors increases largely with temperature. The conductivity of the host rock of the
geothermal field generally increases because of wall rock hydrothermal alteration and hydro-
thermal mineral deposition in fracture zones. On the other hand, thermoelectric and electro-
kinetic coupling mechanisms generate self-potential anomalies of several tens of miUivolts over
geothermal fluid flowpaths (fracture zones in the basement rock). Consequently, the thermal
and electrical methods are probably the most useful and widely used in geothermal research.
117
118 C. Thanassoulas and A. Lazou
., :2 I ,
2• !: ~
Fig. 1. Location map of the study area in Greece, and tectonic setting of the Nestos river delta. (1) = crystalline
basement outcrop; (2) = Nestos river; (3) = delta of Nestos river; N1,2,3 = boreholes for petroleum exploration;
parallelogram indicatesthe area of interest shown in Fig. 2,
In the case of Nestos geothermal field (Prinos basin, Fig. 1), the surface thermal manifes-
tations are limited (only one hypothermal spring of 21°C exists). The regional area is
characterized by intense tectonics. The lower sedimentary sequence, overlying a basement with
a high temperature (127-178°C), shows a high thermal gradient.
High values of the reflectivity factor observed in vitrinite indicate reheating of the mineral at
270°C, probably due to a plutonic intrusion.
The existence of plutonic intrusions, along with the intense tectonics that characterize the
area, could result in a high thermal gradient and rise of the thermal contours at basement level.
The geothermal survey was focused on the flanks of the basement horsts in Prinos graben
(Kolios, 1988), where the geothermal system is connected with the intense tectonism that
creates faults of a NE and NW direction and the rise of the basement (Sotiropoulos, 1988).
The reservoir was expected to be met either in the conglomerates just above the basement, or
in the marbles of the basement (Sotiropoulos, 1989).
A deep borehole (Nestos l-G, denoted as B H in the following figures) was drilled to a depth of
1377 m in the area. High temperatures (115°C) were observed in the basement, but very low
flowrates of geothermal fluids.
A BH
ERATINON CHRISOCHORI
1
1 AGIASMA
#
Fig. 2. Geological sketch m a p of the study area. (1) = alluvial sediments; (2) = w e a t h e r e d material; (3) = gneiss-schists;
(4) = marbles; (5) = mica schists; B H = borehole Nestos l-G; solid areas are villages.
The borders of Nestos basin are defined by faults of NE-SW and NW-SE direction. These
faults contribute to the formation of the graben and horst structures in the area.
A geological sketch map of the Nestos Delta area is shown in Fig. 2.
SP survey
Self-potential (SP) anomalies have been observed in areas of geothermal interest, so that this
method is used in geothermal research.
Self-potential surveys conducted in a variety of geothermal areas have shown anomalies
ranging from 50 to 2000 mV in amplitude over distances of about 100 m to 10 km. Positive,
negative, bipolar, and multipolar anomalies have been reported from different areas.
The possible mechanisms producing such SP anomalies are thermoelectric coupling (Heikes
and Ure, 1961) and electrokinetic coupling (Mclnnes, 1961).
The SP method has been used to study a large number of geothermal fields. SP measurements
in geothermal areas have shown anomalous regions associated with near-surface thermal zones
and faults thought to be fluid conduits (Zohdy et al., 1973; Corwin, 1976; Anderson and
Johnson, 1976; Zablocki, 1976; Mabey et al., 1978; Thanassoulas, 1988). An excellent account
of the SP method used in geothermal exploration is given by Corwin and Hoover (1979).
Field operations took place in autumn 1989. Ten SP profiles were surveyed over the Nestos
delta area. Spacing between the survey lines was 1000 m, while the sampling interval between
successive observations was 100 m (Fig. 3).
Field procedure and data processing have already been presented elsewhere (Thanassoulas
and Lazou, 1990). Raw data and the corresponding processed SP profile are presented in Fig. 4
while the compiled SP map is shown in Fig. 6a. Interpretative solutions of SP anomalies are
available for a wide range of problems. One group of solutions is directed at mineral exploration
(Meiser, 1962; Paul, 1965), while another group is focused on geothermal exploration. In the
second case, solutions for vertical contacts are available (Fitterman, 1978; Corwin et al., 1981).
This approach suits the tectonic character of the Nestos Delta geothermal field and conse-
quently the "patch model" was adopted for the modelling procedure used to simulate deep
fracture zones circulated by hot water (Fitterman, 1979).
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 121
-%
../// N
4
N
I
. . f//
_x-
Fig. 3. Location m a p of the SP profiles. T1 . . . . 10 = location of SP profiles T 1 , . . . I0. A g i a s m a and Eratinon villages are
also shown.
According to this model the polarized source consists of a dipping plane. This plane defines a
contact between two regions with different thermoelectric properties. The geothermal "active"
region has a strike length, L, and a depth extent, T. The depth to the top of the body is Z0, the
dip angle is D and its co-ordinates in the arbitrary X, Y Cartesian system (the Y co-ordinate
being along the profile) are X0, II0. The polarization charge (Po) is expressed in terms of mV,
while the strike angle (A) is counted clockwise from the X axis.
The main SP anomalies observed in the SP map have been modelled using the "patch model"
and the corresponding SP models are marked with letters A,B,C,D1,D 2 in Fig. 6b. A sample of
the modelling procedure is presented in Fig. 5, for the SP anomaly marked as B.
50
40
RAW DATA
30
v
-10 _
PROCESSED DATA '~ "
r i i 1 i 6/
& 7'o 7'~
DISTANCE IN METERS X 100
13t
o real SP anomaly B
+ model
t ).,J
,7, i~% 5o 0~
10 Z
Fig. 5. Modelling of SP anomaly B. L = strike length; T = depth extent; Z 0 = depth to the top of the body; D = dip
angle; A = strike angle.
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 123
CHRISOUPOLI
CHRISOCHORI
,,X
AGIASMA
NEA KARIA
O r _ l ~ l ] km '~\" :) HAIDETTO
Fig. 6a. Location map of fracture zones and faults determined from the SP data. Thin lines = SP contours in mV; thick
straight lines = fracture zones/faults; polygons = location of villages.
124 C. Thanassoulas and A. Lazou
CHRISOUPOLI
J\
CHRISOCHORI
(5
AGIASMA
0
NEA KARIA
Fig. 6b. Location map of models A, B, C, D1, D2. Arrow indicates direction of dip, associated figure indicates the dip
angle counted from the horizontal plane. (1) = SP contour lines in mV; (2) = synthetic SP profile from which DI ,D2 SP
models were calculated.
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 125
CHRISOUPOLI
PETROPIGI
/
t / /
J
/ //
®
BH
\
\
\
\ \ \
,X \
A6,ASMA ~ \
\ \ ~ __.. i \ \\
j NEA KARIA
\\ \
\ o
~) \
•. ...; \\ \ /
CONCLUSIONS
Nestos geothermal field has been studied by means of the SP method, as well as the
integration of all existing geological, geothermal and geophysical data.
The integrated interpretation of all the above-mentioned data revealed the existence of a
highly tectonized basement. The intense fracturing of the basement revealed by geological,
gravity, geoelectric and seismic investigations coincides with the area of high thermal gradients
and temperatures, low resistivity values of the overlying sediments and specific anomalies on the
SP contour map.
As a result of these studies, it was revealed that the highly conductive subsurface zone and the
high temperatures observed on the ground surface were closely associated with the specific
fracture system. The latter was successfully mapped by the SP method. The SP method defined
certain fracture zones as being highly electrically polarized, which are hypothesized as future
geothermal targets.
A deep borehole drilled earlier in the geothermal field detected high temperatures in the
basement (115°C), but very low values of flowrate.
According to the results of this study, this is due to the fact that the borehole was sited outside
the area of the main fracture zones of geothermal interest.
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 127
CHRISOUPOLI
/
/
.y,,,. - y / /
.17/-" / / I I /
/ e
~~'~ / i I I
/
3 I
'\ I
\--~\ \\ \,,~ '\ \ i
,/,
/ I
,
I
/
\ \
\
\ \
\
4 \
\ \ NEA KARIA
k
Fig. 8. Geoelectrical modelling of the basement on top of the thermal gradient map. (1) = thermal gradient contours,
in °C/100 m; (2) = fracture zones/faults; (3) = basement defined by geoelectrical method, referred to geoelectrical
profile A: (4) = low resistivity zone (1.5-2.7 fl.m), referred to geoelectrical profile B.
128 C. Thanassoulas and A. Lazou
0 CHRISOUPOLI
0
2/
\
2 CHRISOCHORI
AGIASMA
NEA KARIA
Fig. 9, Gravity modelling of the basement, on top of the temperature cross-sections. (1) = basement model revealed by
the gravity method along profiles C and D; (2) = thermal contours (cross-section) along profiles E and F, in °C.
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 129
CHRISOUPOLI
(~ PETROPIGI
A.GIASMA
NEA KARIA
o lkm
Fig. 10. Geoelectrical basement modelling, on top of the temperature cross-sections. (1) = thermal contours (cross-
section) along profiles E and F in °C; (2) = basement model revealed by the geoelectrical model along profile A;
(3) = low resistivity zone (1.5 - 2.7 l~.m) underneath geoelectrical profile B).
130 C. Thanassoulas and A. Lazou
CHRISOUPOLI
~, PETROPI~II
I/
©
J
3
AGIASMA
NEA KARIA
Fig. 11. Modelling of basement by geoelectrical and gravity method. (1) = basement model defined by the gravity
method along profiles C and D; (2) = basement model defined by the electrical method along profile A; (3) = low
resistivity zone (1.5 - 2.7 l).m) underneath geoelectrical profile B.
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 131
0 CHRISOUPOLI
CHRISOCHOR
~GIASIvlA
NF'A KARIA
HAIOF.FTO
/7
Fig. 12. Fracture zones and faults determined from SP data on top of gravity modelling of the basement. (1) = b a s e m e n t
model defined by the gravity m e t h o d along profiles C and D; (2) = SP contours; (3) = fracture zones/faults.
132 C. Thanassoulas and A . Lazou
CHRISOUPOLI
PETROPIGI
4
AGIASMA
¢}
NEA KARI,~
9_i_.~lkrn HAIDEFTO
/7
Fig. 13. Fracture zones and faults determined from SP data on top of the geoelectrical modelling of the basement.
(1) = basement model defined by the geoelectrical method along profile A; (2) = SP contours in mV; (3) = fracturc
zones/faults; (4) = low resistivity zone (1.5 - 2.7 ,O.m) underneath the geoelectrical profile B.
Nestos Delta Geothermal Field 133
/7",
/ CHRISOUPOLI
Y
I
CHRIS~HORI
Fig. 14. SP models on top of fracture zones/faults determined by geological and geoelectrical methods. (l) = fracture
zones/faults mapped by geological methods; (2) = fracture zones/faults defined by the geoelectrical methods; (3) = SP
contours in mV; A,B,C,D1,D2 = SP models.
134 C. Thanassoulas and A. Lazou
REFERENCES
ABEM (1966) Airborne Geophysical Survey of Macedonia, Thrace and Euboia. IGSR, Greece.
Anderson, L. A. and Johnson, C. R. (1976) Application of the self potential method to geothermal exploration in Long
Valley, California. J. geophys. Res. 81, 1527-1532.
Corwin, R. F. (1976) Self-potential exploration for geothermal reservoirs. Proc. 2nd UN Symp. on Development and
Use of Geothermal Resources, San Francisco, CA, Vol. 2, pp. 937-946. U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington D.C.
Corwin, R. F. and Hoover, B. D. (1979) The self-potential method in geothermal exploration. Geophysics 44,226-245.
Corwin, R. F., Demoully, G. J., Harding, R. S. and Morrison, H. F. (1981) Interpretation of self-potential survey
results from the East-Mesa geothermal field, California. J. geophys. Res. 86, 1841-1848.
Fitterman, D. V. (1978) Electrokinetic and magnetic anomalies associated with dilatant regions in a layered earth. J.
geophys. Res. 83, 5923-5928.
Fitterman, D. V. (1979) Calculation of self-potential anomalies near vertical contacts. Geophysics 44, 195-205.
Heikes, R. R. and Ure, R. W. (1961) Thermoelectric#y, Science and Engineering. Interscience, New York.
IGME (1977) Bouguer anomaly map of Delta of Nestos river. Dept of Geophysical Research, Departmental Library of
Geophysical Maps. IGME publication, Athens, Greece.
Kolios, N. (1988) Geothermal research of the sedimentary basin of Delta of Nestos river. IGME, E. 5587, Athens,
Greece.
Loucoyannakis, M. (1981) Contributii Geofizice La Descrifrarea Structurii Geologice A Deltei Fluviului Nestos,
Grecia. Teza de Doctorat, Univ. Din Bucuresti, Bucuresti, Romania.
Mabey, P. R., Hoover, D. B., O'Donnel, J. and Willson, C. W. (1978) Reconnaissance geophysical studies of the
geothermal system in southern Raft River Valley, Idaho. Geophysics 43, 1470-1484.
Makris, J. (1977) Geophysical investigation of the Hellenides. Heft 34, Hamburger Geophysikalische Einzelschriften,
Hamburg, 124 pp.
Mclnnes, D. A. (1961) The Principles of Electrochemistry. Dover, New York.
Meiser, P. (1962) A method for quantitative interpretation of self-potential measurements. Geophys. Prosp. 10, 203-
218.
Paul, M. K. (1965) Direct interpretation of self-potential anomalies caused by inclined sheets of infinite horizontal
extension. Geophysics 30, 418-423.
PPC, Public Petroleum Corporation (1985) Basement of Delta of Nestos river map deduced by seismic reflection. PPC
publication, Athens, Greece.
Sotiropoulos, S. (1988) Geological programme of the geothermal well NESTOS-1G. DEP/EKY, Athens, Greece.
Sotiropoulos, S. (1989) Final geological report of geothermal well NESTOS-1G. DEP/EKY, Athens, Greece.
Thanassoulas, C. (1984) Geophysical study of the area of the delta of river Nestos (Eratinon). IGME, Int. Report No.
4230, 9.
Thanassoulas, C. and Tsokas, G. (1984) Geophysical investigation of the Delta Nestos river basin. IGME, Int. Report
No. E.4385.
Thanassoulas, C. (1988) Application of the SP technique over Milos geothermal test site, IGME Greece. EEC 3rd Non-
Nuclear Energy R & D Programme (Geothermal Energy). Contract No. EN3G-0025-GR.
Thanassoulas, C., Tsokas, G. N., and Kolios, N. (1987) Geophysical investigations in the geothermal field in the Delta
of the Nestos River (Northern Greece). Geothermics 16, 17-26.
Thanassoulas, C., and Lazou, A. (1990) Application of the SP technique over Lagadas low enthalpy geothermal field,
Greece. Geothermics 19, 295-307.
Vasiliadis, C. (1988) Application of geophysical methods (refraction-reflection seismics), over the area of Eratinon of
Kavala county. IGME, Int. Report No. E.5420.
Zablocki, C. J. (1976) Mapping thermal anomalies on an active volcano by the self-potential method, Kilauea, Hawaii.
Proc. 2nd UN Symposium on the Development and Use of Geothermal Resources, San Francisco, CA, Vol. 2, pp.
1299-1309. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.
Zohdy, A. A. R., Anderson, L. A. and Muffler, L. J. P. (1973) Resistivity, self-potential and induced polarization
surveys of a vapor-dominated geothermal system. Geophysics 38, 1130-1144.