Analysis of a wide field electromagnetic method for deep geothermal factors in Sanying Basin, western Yunnan, China

Abstract

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy with large scale and wide distribution. Geothermal resources are abundant in western Yunnan, China, but the work is less. In this study, a wide field electromagnetic method (WFEM) was applied to geothermal exploration in Sanying Basin, and six survey lines were deployed. On the basis of the inversion results, the paper conducts a progressive study on the four genetic factors of geothermal exploration, including “source, storage, channel, and circulation”. The Sanying Basin has three sets of intrusive rock masses, two kinds of lateral and vertical additional heating modes. Two sets of deep and shallow reservoir systems were identified. Two major strike-slip deep faults were identified as heat conduction channels. Two sets of water circulation systems were established, and the formation mechanism of hot springs was clarified. Anomaly 1 is a favorable target area for hydrothermal development, and invasion Ⅱ is a favorable target area for hot dry rock.