| Abstract |
Since the previous geothermal update report from Israel in 1995, a number of reports and papers concerning geothermal subjects were published. Some 430 deep oil and structural wells were drilled in Israel, Most of these wells are abandoned or not in use. The geothermal information available from the majority of these wells was used in preparation of thermal gradients and isotherm contour maps at different depths. Approximately 100 of the above mentioned wells were examined for possible utilization of low enthalpy geothermal energy. Target horizons, possible yields, water salinity and water temperature were estimated. A number of the wells were selected for utilization in spas based on different chemical composition and salinity concentrations with varying balneological needs. These are distributed in a widely spaced network over the country, which also satisfies the legal requirement for spacing between spas. The use of geothermal water for agriculture was scaled up, mainly in the Dead Sea Rift in the southern part of Israel, for use in greenhouses. Most of this water is pumped from deep water wells. |