Magmatic - Related Hydrothermal Systems: the Basic Model - Module 2

Abstract

The hydrothermal systems we are discussing are all related to magmatic activity. In this section we shall go over the basics of such hydrothermal systems (Figure 1). The type of hydrothermal system that can support economic geothermal energy developments in Indonesia is where magmatic intrusions are emplaced high enough in the crust that they induce the convective circulation of groundwater. They may or may not be related to eruptive volcanic activity. There are other types of hydrothermal system such as the tectonic, or deep basin brines, but these are irrelevant for our purposes as they are too cool, too deep or too saline to allow the economic generation of electricity at this time in Indonesia. There are a number of sub-types of volcanic-related hydrothermal system, which will be discussed in detail, but for now let us look at the basics.