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Joint evaluation of gravity, electrical and magnetotelluric methods for geothermal potential of fractured Aptian reefal carbonates in the Hmaima–El Gara area (Oued Serrat basin, Central–Western Tunisia)

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Abstract

Hmaima–El Gara area is located in Central–Western Tunisia and is known as an important geothermal province. In this study, we attempt to delineate the subsurface structures of the area using integrated interpretation of gravity, electrical and magnetotelluric data. The Hmaima thermal aquifer, associated with fractured Aptian reefal limestones, is characterized by high gravity and high resistivity. Horizontal gradient and Euler deconvolution method has been applied to the gravity data and provided fast information about both the depth and trends of the shallower subsurface structures in the area. As several of the mapped lineaments correlate with published geological fault trends, the other lineaments may be indicators of new insights for hydrothermal exploitation in the Hmaima–El Gara area (economical potential favorite zones).

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Acknowledgements

We greatly appreciate the O.N.M for providing regional hydrogeology data and their hard work to this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Géoressources, Centre de Recherches et des Technologies des Eaux, Technopôle Borj-Cedria, 8020, Soliman, Tunisia

    Hakim Gabtni

  2. Institut Supérieur des Sciences et Techniques des Eaux de Gabès, Cité Erriadh, 6072, Zirig-Gabès, Tunisia

    Moez Gouasmia

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  1. Hakim Gabtni
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  2. Moez Gouasmia
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Correspondence to Hakim Gabtni.

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Gabtni, H., Gouasmia, M. Joint evaluation of gravity, electrical and magnetotelluric methods for geothermal potential of fractured Aptian reefal carbonates in the Hmaima–El Gara area (Oued Serrat basin, Central–Western Tunisia). Arab J Geosci 6, 1569–1579 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0442-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0442-0

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