Geothermal Energy Studies and Evaluation the Potential of Sabalan Volcano in the NW of Iran

Abstract

Sabalan Mt (NW Iran) an isolated voluminous composite volcano, was erupted in two major cycles in Plio-Quaternary. Geothermal investigation on this volcano was started in 1978 and resumed since 1998. After identifying some geothermal prospects around the Mt Sabalan, this economical, environmentally benign energy source has been highly recommended for the geothermal energy developments. Here, we review and compile all the data and results of the geological-geophysical-well logging explorations since the first study in 1978 until now. Major investigations have been done on the geological (stratigraphy-tectonic), geophysical (Magnetotelluric-telluric-well logging), thermal (heat flow-conductivity), and geochemical (hot spring) aspects of volcano to reveal the high potential and promising zones for geothermal reservoir. It results in introducing the main hot spots located within an area (~100 squares Km) around Moil in north and west Sabalan. New structural measurements are combined to the current data base to unravel some new aspects of the structurally controlled geothermal reservoirs in the area.