Determination of Reservoir Extent and Priority Drilling Zones in a Geothermal Prospect Using GIS (A Case for Paka Geothermal Project)

Abstract

Geospatial technology can aid decision makers to make the right and reliable choice in order to locate areas for geothermal exploration and exploitation. The aim of the project is to determine the reservoir extent in Paka geothermal area using geological, geochemical, geophysical and heat loss data layers within the GIS and eventually to identify promising areas for geothermal well exploration drilling. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to determine the spatial association between geophysical, geochemical and geological evidence in order to determine production zones in a geothermal area. Surface observations in Paka geothermal prospect were used to delineate areas characterized by high permeability and hot fluid transport from the reservoir. The geoprocessing techniques in GIS provide useful tools for geoscientists to properly demarcate reservoir extent in a geothermal resource area. Geothermal reservoir extent determination and well site selection involves the evaluation of data samples collected over a prospect area by different geo-scientific teams using varied analytical techniques. Zones of potential geothermal drill sites were defined and prioritized by assigning a weighted overlying selection query for geo-scientific data layers