Assesment of geothermal energy potential by geophysical methods: Nevsehir region Central Anatolia

Main purpose of this study is to assess the geothermal energy potential of the Nevşehir region which is located in Central Anatolia, Turkey using various geophysical methods. This region was formed by volcanic activity that continued from the Upper Miocene to Holocene. Therefore, this region is important for heat enthalpy. Various geophysical methods such as VES, MT, SP, Gravity and Magnetic were utilized in this study (VES, 226 stations; MT, 182 stations; SP, 19,2 km; Gravity, 2912 points; Magnetic, 2912 points; Aeromagnetic, 30250 points). At this scale no geothermal study was carried out in this region previously. Therefore, this is the first detailed geothermal research in this region Some gravity data that were acquired by MTA in 1978 in this region were re-evaluated using Euler 3D Deconvolution analysis technique while paying attention to structural boundaries and depths. Airborne magnetic data that was acquired by MTA between 1978 and 1989 in this region, was used in the calculation of Curie depths using two different window sizes (150 x 150 and 75 x 75 km). The effect of the window size on the calculations was evaluated by comparing the obtained results. Additionally, the geophysical data was modeled by using various package programs (Geosystem Winglink, Geosoft Oasis etc.). The software developed by Toshiro Uchida was used in 2D modelling of DES data and it was developed further to create INV2DVES software. We carried out 2D modelling of extended reach depth DES data first in the history of MTA using this software. In this study the boundaries of Acıgöl caldera and the existing faults in the caldera were delineated. Synthesizing the results of all the above studies and their careful evaluations, research drillings were suggested to be made for 3 locations that have potential for containing geothermal fluid. Geothermal energy potential of the Nevşehir region was assessed by comparing the results of 2D geophysical models and the results of the drillings.