Integration of structural, hydrogeological and thermal remote sensing data for the determination of geothermal capacity: Edremit (Balıkesir) Basin as a case study

Basins formed on active strike-slip faults are important prospect areas for geothermal energy exploration since the crust gets thinner in these areas and tectonic structures provide favorable conditions for heat-fluid circulation and transportation. The objective of the recent study is to evaluate the geothermal capacity of the Edremit Basin utilizing tectonic, geological, and hydrogeological studies, combining remote sensing (land surface temperature-LST, hydrothermal alteration, and multi-temporal InSAR (MT-InSAR) assessments). We present structural literature data and the results of field mapping, which revealed the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of structural features, geological units as geothermal system components, thermal and cold water chemistry, and thermal infrared remote sensing analysis. For the purpose of assessing new targets and recent geothermal capacity, these data are combined and evaluated. According to the outcomes of the study, the fault pattern in the Edremit Basin is generated by N-S extension, which produced E-W dominant striking normal faults with a heritage of paleostructures oriented in various directions. According to remote sensing analyses, the primary LST regions in the basin are defined by the active faults. Therefore, a high sodium sulfate ratio recorded in the chemical analyses of the water samples indicates a deep circulation and high possibility for the presence of thermal water. Consequently, our findings are consistent with the work to include thorough field geology surveys, structural patterns, LST, and water chemistry to refined exploration process. All these results indicated that Edremit (Balıkesir) Basin holds a great promise for the discovery of new geothermal energy sources.