Waikite - Te Kopia the Missing Link?

Abstract

Recent geophysical surveys conducted in the vicinity of Waikite and Te Kopia suggest the likelihood of a deep connection between these two geothermal fields. The existence of such a link could have important implications on future development options and on environmentalmanagement plans for resources. The surveys included an airbornevideo thermal survey of Waikite and Te Kopia, which revealed in detail a much larger number of surface thermal features than had previously been recognised. In addition, closely spaced tensor CSAMT soundings were conducted along profiles at three locationsbetween the two fields. of these soundings suggests that the fields are connected by a broad of low resistivity below about m depth. Supporting evidence is provided by a set of resistivity measurements (using tensor bipole-quadripole and Schlumberger obtained at the same locations, and by a low level aeromagnetic survey conducted for mineral exploration purposes in 1986.