Application of Geophysical Methods for Geothermal Exploration in Tarutung Nurul Fadhilah, Togi Tampubolon
Department of Physics, Faculty of Matematics and Natural Sciences, Medan State University, Indonesia
Abstract
Geothermal exploration in the Tarutung region utilizes geophysical methods, particularly geoelectric and geomagnetic methods, to obtain a picture of the subsurface structure that supports the identification of geothermal systems. The geoelectric method is used to measure the resistivity of subsurface rocks, which helps map reservoir layers, fractures, and cap rocks important in geothermal systems. Meanwhile, the geomagnetic method utilizes measurements of magnetic field variations at the surface to detect changes in the magnetic properties of rocks due to geothermal activity, thereby identifying magnetic anomaly zones that indicate the presence of geothermal sources. The geothermal system in Tarutung is influenced by a complex interaction between tectonic and volcanic activity, where active fault structures and fractures as well as volcanic activity influence geothermal fluid migration and reservoir characteristics. The application of these two geophysical methods provides accurate and efficient data for geothermal exploration, which plays a crucial role in the development of renewable energy in areas with strong tectonic and volcanic dynamics such as the Tarutung area.
