| Abstract |
Geothermal exploration requires the analysis of data by combining various sets of geo-information, including geochemistry, surface geology, tectonic setting, thermal survey, geomagnetic and gravity measurements and if available, previous boreholes and seismic lines. In this framework a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a Spatial Anlaysis can be a useful and precious tool that can permit a spatial multicriteria analysis and a multidisciplinary interpretation among different data to produce continuous thematic mapping. The present work focuses on the estimation of the GIS techniques’s potential for “medium-high temperature geothermal exploration”, during the early stages of a regional survey. The proposed analysis is based on the consideration both of favorable geological factors for geothermal field identification (e.g. thermal and natural gas manifestation, surface geology, tectonic setting, gravity measurements) and geological hazard (e.g. seismicity and volcanism) which potentially can limit the exploitation of a geothermal field. The validation of the model has been done on the Tuscany Region (Italy), where in addition to natural indicators of geothermal activity, two geothermal fields are already in operation: Larderello-Travale/Radicondoli and Monte Amiata. The proposed analysis shows that the most promising areas in Tuscany for geothermal exploration, are exactly recognized where nowadays geothermal power plants are in operation. The results suggest a good efficiency of the model, so it could be useful to evaluate potential geothermal areas in not much explored sectors giving primary information about the real exploitation perspectives. |