A futuristic review for evaluation of geothermal potentials using fuzzy logic and binary index overlay in GIS environment

Geothermal exploration involves a high degree of uncertainty and financial risk, and requires reliable exploration data to constrain development decisions. Geothermal potentials are usually in relation to several parameters such as acidic volcanic and intrusive rocks, volcanoes, faults, hot springs, geothermal alterations, etc. These parameters are considerable using geological, petrological, geochemical and geophysical analyses. In this research, the binary index overlay and fuzzy logic methods were used for integrating the available data (volcanic and intrusive rocks, volcanoes, hot springs and faults) utilizing ArcGIS v.10.2 software. This research has been done on a case study, NW Iran (East Azarbayejan Province 1:250,000 Sheet). Therefore, it was recognized that the central parts of the study area have more potential for detailed exploration in the future, and it was proved that these combination methods can be very practical in geothermal resource studies.