Mapping the Geothermal Potential of the Jbel Saghro Massif by Airborne Magnetism (Anti-Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to use the aeromagnetic data covering the Jbel Saghro Massif (Southern Morocco) to study the transition zone between magnetized and non-magnetized rocks by estimating the curie isotherm depth, to calculate the thermal flux in mW m−2. The processing and filtering of magnetic data has given the possibility to trace the lateral limits of hidden and magnetic geological sources, the latter have directions ENE–WSW, NNW–SSE, W–E and NW–SE inherited by the geodynamic evolution of the study area. Using the local wave number method, a curie depth isobaths map was generated, showing varying values from 6.9 to 25.9 km. The regional geothermal gradient map shows values between 22 and 85 °C km−1. The calculation of the thermal flux reveals several geothermal provinces (>190 mW m−2) with a total area of about 1500 km2 associated with inliers of Precambrian age.