An electrical conductivity model of a coastal geothermal field in southeastern China based on 3D magnetotelluric imaging

The hydrology and geology of the Xinzhou geothermal field in South China and its surrounding area have been well studied. Previous studies have indicated that mantle heat, granite radioactive heat, and partial melting are the likely key thermal sources. However, neither the geometry of the geothermal reservoir nor the groundwater circulation pattern has been fully characterized. Toward that aim, a grid of magnetotelluric (MT) data has been acquired to reveal the subsurface distribution of electrical conductivity and to detect the geothermal reservoir. An analysis of the phase tensors suggests that 3YD MT inversion is essential for accurate interpretation of the data. We perform a 3D full-impedance MT inversion and observe pronounced low electrical conductivity zones in the inverse model. We interpret these materials as widely developed granites that form the bedrock, which is cut by a crisscross of faults. The cracks in the bedrock provide pathways for the vertical and lateral movement of the hydrothermal fluid. The geothermal reservoir appears as a prominent high electrical conductivity anomaly beneath the hot spring. A northwest-dipping zone of enhanced electrical conductivity reaching approximately 6-7 km in depth is found in the southeast part of the study area, and it is interpreted as the geothermal reservoir recharge channel. We develop an inferred underground fluid circulation model, informed by the electrical conductivity of the area, in combination with hydrologic data. We suggest that the water supply of the Xinzhou geothermal field mainly comes from meteoric water, which is mixed with the invading seawater and shallow cold groundwater as it rises along the fault. The results of our MT study confirm earlier inferences that the Xinzhou geothermal field belongs to an intraplate deep circulation type originated from the mantle heat flow.

Automated summary

The study of the Xinzhou geothermal field in South China and its surrounding area has revealed the distribution of electrical conductivity and geothermal reservoir through magnetotelluric (MT) data analysis. The presence of wide granite formations and faults provide pathways for the movement of hydrothermal fluids. The geothermal reservoir is characterized by a high electrical conductivity anomaly beneath the hot spring, with a deep recharge channel found in the southeast part of the study area.