Geothermal energy resources of wadi Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia

• Hydrothermal and EGS geothermal systems characterise west cost of Saudi Arabia.
• Heat flow and heat generation at Al-Lith are >80 mW/m2 and ∼11 μW/m3 respectively.
• Moho is located within 18 km in this region.
• The tritium values indicate that the thermal waters are >75 years old.
• Reservoir temperature is greater than 220 °C.

The entire western Arabian shield is the domain of both hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal systems associated with volcanic centres (Harrats) and high heat generating granites. The most prominent sites of hydrothermal systems are located around Al-Lith and Jizan. The hydrothermal system in Al Lith is controlled by high heat generating (∼11 μW/m3) post orogenic granites. The high heat flow value of >80 mW/m2 across Al-Lith coast is due to such granite intrusives, presence of dike swarms that intrude into the granites as well as position of Moho at shallow level. Although the thermal waters are chloride rich, Red Sea involvement is not observed. Long residence time and water rock interaction with granites are the main processes responsible for chloride enrichment in the thermal waters. Oxygen isotope shift indicates presence of high temperature geothermal system in the area. The tritium values indicate that the circulating waters are >75 years old.