A Preliminary Study of the Geothermal of the Fen-Wei Rift, China

Abstract

The Fen-Wei Rift , located in the west part of North China, i s a Cenozoic asymmetric fault trough basin. The boundary of the rift, the distribution of subterranean uplifts and depressions beneath the basin, the rather thin crust , and the seismicity are all controlled by active rifting, The rift extends over a distance' of more than 800 km.

Geothermal resources a r e found along the boundary faults, along the margins of the depression, and along faults of median basement horsts. Higher temperature are usually found within fracture zones near t o the deepest portion of the Graben. Apart from fracture zone systems there are also extensive aquifers within the rift from which thermal fluids can be produced. Although geothermal exploration and resources utilization are limited t o a few prospects, the recognition and classification of the geothermal resources associated with the Rift will be helpful for further development.