A preliminary regional geothermal assessment of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

The tectonic setting of Egypt, in the northeastern corner of the African continent, suggests that it may possess significant geothermal resources, especially along its eastern margin. The most promising areas for geothermal development in the NW Red Sea-Gulf of Suez rift system are locations along the eastern shore of the Gulf of Suez that are characterized by surface thermal manifestations, including a cluster of hot springs with varied temperatures. The Gulf of Suez region is one of the most interesting geothermal areas in Egypt because of the high temperatures of its springs. Geothermal studies were performed based on bottom-hole temperature logs of 103 offshore oil wells in the Gulf of Suez. The eastern margin of the Gulf of Suez, especially in the vicinity of hot springs, is characterized by high temperature gradients and heat flow values of more than 100 mW/m2. Geophysical studies, which characterized the gravity and aeromagnetic signatures of the Gulf of Suez, were used to investigate the origin of the high heat flow and to constrain the depths of the heat sources in the hottest areas. Based on these data, conceptual and numerical models of hydrothermal systems were developed of the Hammam Faraun and Hammam Musa hot springs, which are the hottest springs in Egypt. The modeling results show that the origin of the high heat flow is the uplifted basement rocks.

► Bottom-hole temperature data were used to evaluate potential geothermal resources at the Gulf of Suez. ► High temperature gradient and heat flow were recorded at the edges of the Gulf and in the vicinity of the hot springs. ► Geophysical studies show a good correlation between areas of high heat flow and gravity and magnetic anomalies. ► Numerical simulations of the hydrothermal systems at Gulf of Suez confirm that the origin of the hot springs is an anomalously high heat flow and groundwater circulation controlled by rift faults.