Using index and cumulative overlay analyses to determine geothermal potential targets in damavand region

Abstract

The Damavand region is located in the north of Iran and north-eastern of Tehran. In the present study, geothermal favorability map in this region has been prepared using two methods of data integration in the geographic information system (GIS) environment. The purpose of this study is to introduce the areas with high potential of geothermal field in Damavand region for subsequent exploratory program. For this purpose, at first, necessary information layers identified and studied and then were processed. The 13 layers were identified and collected and integration with two cumulative and weighted index overlay methods and compared. After a survey of experts, the weights used in the weighted index overlay method were obtained from the Fuzzy/Ahp method. In the result of cumulative overlay method, south and southeast of Damavand volcano are favorable area for geothermal field but the result of the weighted index overlay method indicates the high potential of the southeastern region of Damavand. Comparing the results with gradient and thermal flux from drilling by the ENEL Italian Company, indicate the accuracy and precision of the obtained results.