Structural Significance of the Results of a Resistivity study in Alid Geothermal Area

Abstract

A resistivity survey was conducted in November 2008 with the ICEIDA funded project on the Alid volcanic center and adjacent areas, southeast of Eritrea.
The methods deployed were MT and TEM covering the entire area with the exception of the NE parts of the dome area because of sampling problem caused by hard rock which sampling rods could not penetrate.
The resistivity survey results indicate that the main anomaly is located to the southwest of the studied area, outside of the Alid dome. The geophysical anomaly has been compared with the faults and fractures mapped on the geological map of the area. It is found to be the site of two intersecting linear structures mainly faults. It is a promising site that paves the way to assess in a wider perspective. However additional geophysical survey namely gravity and micro seismic survey as well as gas geochemistry studies are needed in order to identify the up flow zone.