A GIS-based multi criteria decision analysis approach for exploring geothermal resources: Akarcay basin (Afyonkarahisar)

Geothermal exploration studies are generally costly and complex. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Method (MCDA) has vital advantages such as preperation data that extends over large area, exploration of current and potential geothermal fields, and achieving a more controlled and acurate results by narrowing target area. In this study, geothermal potential areas were defined by GIS Based MCDA in Afyonkarahisar within the boundaries of Akarcay Basin. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used in stage of decision analysis of MCDA, and the method of pairwise comparison method was applied in order to determine relative weights of the each criteria in the scope of the AHP. Favourability of geothermal potential map was created via synthesizing standardized data layers with their weights. The map was classified with six classes (very low, low, medium, high, very high and, extremely high) by using Natural Breaks Jenks Method. The results of the study were compared with the current hot springs locations that are in the Gazligol, Omer, Gecek, Kizik, Uyuz, Heybeli geothermal fields. In conclusion, all the current hot springs are in the extremely high class that was defined by GIS based MCDA method. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.