- Geothermal Energy prospects are about locating and accessing subsurface heat for use in specialised power generation equipment to produce electricity in geologically favourable locations. One type of prospective geothermal plays involves volcanic island arcs.
- Identifying volcanic island arc geothermal plays begins by understanding regional geology (e.g., convergent tectonic plate boundary with associated subduction zone) and then local geology (e.g., locations with heat pathways including lineaments and faults with associated surface manifestations of subsurface heat).
- The “Ring of Fire” around the Pacific is a good place to begin investigating potential prospects with multiple convergent tectonic plate boundaries around the circumference with hundreds of associated volcanic systems.
- Surface manifestations can include vents, cinder cones, lava flows, lava domes, fumaroles, and thermal springs. Whilst active volcanoes are present here in large numbers, this is not necessarily a prerequisite. Thermal heat is able to reach the surface through both conductive and convective heat flows.
- Potential locations of more detailed interest can begin to be investigated by reviewing available technical literature from prior academic and corporate studies and projects. Hydrocarbon and mineral extraction industries have performed extensive field work for their own purposes, but this data can be very useful to understand regional and local geology. Working with local government geological survey departments is another good way to begin investigations.
