Investigation of density contrasts and geologic structures of hot springs in the Markazi Province of Iran using the gravity method

In 2012, the renewable energy organization of Iran (SUNA) performed a gravity survey around hot springs of the Mahallat geothermal field in the Markazi Province of Central Iran, as part of the explorations and developments of geothermal energy investigation program in the region. The Mahallat region has the greatest geothermal field in Iran. This work presents interpretation results of various gravity maps and a calculated 3D inversion model. The residual gravity map shows three negative gravity anomaly zones (A1, A2, and A3) associated with the geothermal reservoirs in the region. The horizontal gradient maps reveal a complex fault system. In order to attain more information about the Khorhe geothermal reservoir, a 3D density contrast model was calculated using the Li-Oldenburg method. The attained 3D model provides an in-depth image of the evolution, showing the density contrast and the A1 zone having a high potential for the geothermal reservoir in the region. The results also show that the rocks which exist between 1000 and 3000 meters under the Earth’s surface in the A1 zone are the most suitable aquifers for utilization of geothermal energy.