Geochemical Investigation in Areas Without Geothermal Surface Manifestations Kucuk Menderes Graben Western Turkey

Abstract

Ground-based field geochemical work carried out in May 2008 at all hot discharges present in the field for assessment the geothermal potential at Küçük Menders Graben along the long axis, Turkey. Good interpretative practice starts with good sampling procedures. This includes both the wise selection of water for analyses and the proper preservation of samples between the time of collection and analyses. The best sampling strategy is to collect every available ground-water hot and cold. Even limited hot sprigs presence in a field can be accepted as surface manifestation. According to the general tariff of geothermal energy, the surface geothermal activities in the Küçük Menderes Graben fall in non-manifestation area category. The temperature of all samples from springs and streams adjacent to the studied area except for Bayindir Kaplica is under the local average annual air temperature but higher than that of short circulated water discharges found in the same districts. Altogether 20 water samples were collected for chemical and isotopic analyses. By applying geochemical geothermometers and isotope techniques, up to 70°C geothermal fluid existence was traced in the study region.