An Analysis of Geothermal Potential in Korea

Abstract

The heat flow anomaly in South Korea was analyzed with Geographic Information System (GIS) using spatial overlay analysis technique in the aspects of lithology, geologic time and Mohorovicic (Moho) depth. A total of 247 heat flow data over South Korea were constructed to the spatial database (D/B) and digital geologic map including lithology, geologic time, and Moho depth was also made. The average of heat flow is 64 ± 14 mW/m2 in South Korea. In the aspect of lithology, the area of sedimentary rock contains high heat flow of 74 mW/m2, sedimentary/volcanic rock area 62 mW/m2, plutonic rock area 63 mW/m2, and metamorphic rocks area 61 mW/m2. In the geologic time sequence, the Cenozoic strata has 91 mW/m2, the Mesozoic and Paleozoic strata 65 mW/m2, the Proterozoic strata 55 mW/m2, and the Archean strata has 61 mW/m2. In Moho depth aspect, the shallow depth area has higher heat flow than the area of thick crust. Considering that the geothermal water has close relation to the geologic lineaments, overlay analysis on the lineament density and above heat flow anomaly has finally been made. As the result, several areas in Pohang, Gyeongju, Uljin, Yeongyang, Gunwi, Samcheog, Jeongseon, Yeongwol, Danyang, Sogcho, Yangyang, Sangju, Whasun, Boryeong, Cheongyang, Gongju, Whaseong, Yongin, Pocheon, Yeoncheon, Jeongog and Cheolwon appeared to be highly potential geothermal resources developing sites and also matched well with the newly developed as well as old hot spring areas.