| Abstract |
Evaluation of total natural heat flow from the ground is an important tool in ranking the potential of geothermal resources. It can provide an insight into the hydrology of the system and the transfer mechanisms operating within the subsurface. Fumaroles, steaming grounds, hot grounds and Hot Springs form the basis for the measurements which leads to evaluation of the natural heat transfer of a system. This paper is an analysis of surface heat transfer associated with steaming ground over six 'volcanic' complexes in the Northern Kenya Rift Valley, namely: Korosi, Paka, Silali, Emuruangogolak, Namarunu and the Barrier, stretching from Lake Baringo to Lake Turkana in the north, a distance of about 200 km. The analysis is bases on a comparison with shallow temperature surveys over steaming ground in the Olkaria Domes area, where temperatures were measured at .15 and 1m depth. This data was used to calibrate the heat flow characteristics of hot and steaming ground in the northern rift, with the assumption that the rock formations in both areas have similar physical properties and alteration characteristics. Negligible liquid discharges are associated with all six volcanic complexes and mainly conductive heat transfer involving hot and steaming ground was assumed. Paka was found to have the largest steaming ground area, 2260 E 3 m2, followed by Korosi, 1991 E 3 m2, though relatively cooler than the rest, with Emuruangogolak having the smallest area. The total heat discharged by the six prospects within the northern part of the rict was found to be about 742+210 MWt. It is evident that this part of the rift contains a considerable potential in terms of geothermal energy. A refining exercise which would include evaluation of hot grounds, steaming grounds, fumaroles and hot springs will definitely give a more accurate geothermal potential data. This refining exercise would be necessary for the country since she has not yet discovered any other source of energy and geothermal energy is relatively a clean energy source. |