Low-enthalpy geothermal exploration in Pohang area, Korea

KIGAM (Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources) launched a new project to develop the low-enthalpy geothermal water in the area showing high geothermal anomaly, north of Pohang city, for large-scale space heating from KORP (Korea Research Council of Public Science & Technology) funding. Surface geologic and geophysical surveys including Landsat TM image analysis, gravity, magnetic, Magnetotelluric (MT) and controlled-source audio-frequency MT (CSAMT) and self-potential (SP) methods have been conducted and the possible fracture zone was found that would serve as deeply connected geothermal water conduit. By the end of 2003, two test wells of 1 km depth will be drilled and various kinds of borehole survey along with additional MT measurements and sample analysis will follow and then the detailed subsurface condition is to be characterized. Next step would be drilling the production well of 2 km depth and all further steps remain to be determined depending upon the results of the test well studies.