Hot Springs, Geothermal Fields and Plate Tectonics in Japan
- Key words
- Exploration; Japan; Volcanics; Heat Flow
- Location
- Japan
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1984
- Session
- Exploration; Volcanism; Heat flow; Tectonics; Thermal spring
- Language
- English
Abstract
Hot springs are, in general, situated in the volcanic belt of a convergent zone and are utilized as indicators of geothermal potential in an area. The locations of hot springs (with temperatures > 90°C) in Japan, have been examined to determine the influence that plate under thrusting exerts in determining the locations of these hot springs This examination shows that hot springs and geothermal fields in Japan are situated in the volcanic areas along the extension of zones which mark discontinuities in plate under thrusting. Measured heat flow in many of these zones with higher than average crustal temperatures should be prime targets for comprehensive geothermal exploration programs.
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