| Title | Subsurface Thermal Regimes of Granite-Hosted Hot Springs in Peninsular Malaysia : Implications for Geothermal Resource Development |
|---|---|
| Authors | Fredolin JavinoA, Zamri Ramli A, Mohd. Hariri ArifinB, Hardianshah SalehC |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | A total of at least 51 thermal spring sites have been identified across Peninsular Malaysia. Of these, approximately 20 sites were selected for a study on subsurface reservoir temperatures, utilizing historical data collected by the Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG) since the 1980s. Available data from 23 sites—including surface temperatures, geological settings, and thermal water chemistry—were analyzed to estimate reservoir temperatures associated with granitic systems. Reservoir temperatures were calculated using geochemical geothermometers, namely T_quartz, T_Na/K, and T_Na-K-Ca. The estimated temperature ranges were 105.3°C to 154.2°C (T_quartz), 127.3°C to 199.7°C (T_Na/K), and 115°C to 208°C (T_Na-K-Ca). In contrast, estimates derived from the T_chalcedony method were generally lower and did not reliably reflect subsurface conditions, likely due to dilution effects during the ascent of geothermal fluids. Consequently, the T_quartz and cation-based geothermometers were considered more reliable for this study. The results indicate a promising geothermal gradient within the Main Range Granite, suggesting potential for further geothermal exploration. However, confirmation of reservoir temperatures through exploratory drilling is recommended to validate the estimates and assess the viability for energy development. |