Exploration of a Potential Geothermal Resource, at Wahawa, Padiyatalawa Area in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Geothermal exploration program along two major lithologic units Highland and Vijayan complexes was carried out by Department of Geology , University of Peradeniya ,Sri Lanka in 2009-2010 . Sri Lanka is not an active volcanic region or plate boundary .Geothermal source might be from different source. The source of hot dry rock and geothermal reservoir and flow regimes have not be extensively explored. The Vijayan Complex is considered here as the priority region as it consists youngest intrusions of dolerite dykes with K-Ar age of 150 Ma. The presence of thermal springs in association with a dyke indicates that the thermal component may have been added from relatively young intrusion.
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Wahawa, Padiyatalawa hot springs field is characterize by NNW-SSE trending dolerite dyke extending 20Km in length. Surface temperature of the springs range 500-600C.Geology mapping ,structural geological analysis and surface springs temperature analysis and hydrogeologic setting suggest late deformation and deep seated fracture zone in the dyke facilitate thermal water which are circulating through the dyke from Maha Oya catchment ,recharge area in SSW region.