Geophysical exploration for shallow geothermal applications: A case study in Arta, (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Within the installation of a shallow geothermal system, the lack of information on the subsoil frequently leads to errors in the design of the geothermal wellfield. This research presents the application of geophysics, combining 2D and 3D electrical resistivity tomography surveys and the geological information of a certain area for defining the structural distribution of the underground. Processed electrical resistivity data allow elucidating possible geological units and the thermal behavior of the in-depth materials. Two different assumptions (with different locations of the wells) are designed by using the specific geothermal software GES-CAL. Results show, that Case 1 (based on the geophysical results, so avoiding complex areas) allows the reduction of the global drilling length, and hence, the general initial investment of the system (around 20% lower). Meanwhile, Case 2 (without considering the geophysics) is less economically advantageous and could also present technical difficulties during the drilling process, as well as the possible alteration to the normal system operation. The study highlights the benefits of geophysics as an effective approach to characterize the underground and to help to understand its thermal behavior, which is, in turn, crucial for a proper geothermal design.

Automated summary

This research demonstrates the use of geophysics and geological information in defining the underground structure and thermal behavior for the design of a geothermal wellfield. The processed electrical resistivity data provide insights into the geological units and in-depth materials. The study shows that considering geophysical results in the design can reduce drilling length and initial investment, while avoiding potential technical difficulties.