3-D resistivity imaging of the supercritical geothermal system in Sengan
geothermal region, NE Japan
Abstract
A wideband magnetotelluric survey was performed in the Sengan geothermal
region of northeastern Japan. A conductor with resistivity of
< 30 Ωm was found at a depth of -1.8 km in the Quaternary
Kakkonda granite. Microseismic activity was not observed, suggesting a
ductile zone with temperatures exceeding 370 °C. Under these conditions,
H2O-NaCl fluids can exist as two-phase or single-phase types. The
permeability of the upper reservoir surface is between 5.0E-17 and
5.0E-15 m2, indicative of an exploitable supercritical geothermal
reservoir. Our results indicate that this is originated by heat and
water supply system from deep magmatic fluids.