A new 3D fault model of the Bouillante geothermal province combining onshore and offshore structural knowledge (French West Indies)

The Bouillante area hosts geothermal resources located in a complex structural area (Guadeloupe Island, French West Indies). On one hand, faults observed on the field mainly elongate along the E–W direction. On the other hand, offshore structures interpreted from marine seismic lines shows a larger range of directions. A coherent 3D interpretation is proposed through a fault model combining onshore and offshore structural knowledge in a zone crossing the island coastline. The fault network constructed reveals a hierarchy in the family of structures and highlights the prevalence of the NNW–SSE direction, associated with secondary NE–SW-trending structures, and the E–W direction. On a geographical point of view, the modelled faults are gathered in 3 clusters. Data available to build the 3D fault model are sometimes sparse, especially inland because of intense vegetation cover. Consequently, not only the results and impacts of the 3D fault model are discussed but also its limitations as well as its possible evolution.

► The Bouillante geothermal province is located in a complex structural area.
► Onshore and offshore data are combined to enhance the interpretation.
► A 3D structural model is set up to build a coherent interpretation.
► The 3D structural model reveals families of structures.
► The 3D structural model is a guide for resource exploration.