Structural and stratigraphic controls on the geothermal regime of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt as revealed by the geophysical and bottom-hole temperature data

Alrefaee, Hamed A

doi:10.21608/egjg.2023.177487.1031

Structural and stratigraphic controls on the geothermal regime of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt as revealed by the geophysical and bottom-hole temperature data

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Hamed A Alrefaee

Geology Department, University of Kafr Elsheikh, Egypt

10.21608/egjg.2023.177487.1031

Abstract

Abstract

Bottom-hole temperature measurements in the Suez Gulf, Egypt, were analyzed to assess the geothermal parameters of study area. The thermal gradient varies from 22 to 44°C/km, and heat flows from 45 to 118 mW/m2. The highest gradient and flow correspond to the shorelines of the Suez Gulf. The high thermal gradient and heat flow occur in Hammam Faraun-Ras Budran block and South Abu Zeneima at the eastern shoreline of the Gulf. High thermal gradient and heat flow also occur in Ras Gharib area at the Gulf western shoreline. Low thermal gradients and heat flow coincide with the basin of the Suez Gulf. The seismic sections were interpreted to reveal the impact of the local structural setting and stratigraphic succession on the geothermal parameters. The Bouguer anomaly map was analyzed to delineate the regional tectonic setting and its impact on the Suez Gulf geothermal regime. The magnetic data were used for calculating Curie depth point and examining any relationship or correlation with the geothermal parameters of the area. The geothermal reservoirs exist at South Abu Zeneima, Hammam Faraun, and Ras Gharib at the Suez Gulf coasts. Geothermal boreholes can be drilled to yield thermal water, which can be used for several purposes.

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