Geothermal field of the transition area between the Anatolian Plate and the East European Platform

Abstract

Heat flow data from the Eastern Mediterranean region indicates an extensive province of low heat flow, spreading over the whole basin of the Mediterranean to the east of Crete (Levantine Sea), Cyprus, and Northern Egypt. Surface geology of East Anatolia is complex because of recent active tectonic and volcanic activity. The region is composed of major tectonic units of Pontides, the Anatolid-Tauride Belt and Bitlis Suture Zone, North and East Anatolian faults. Ophiolitic and young volcanic rocks can be observed in many parts of East Anatolia. The Black Sea is surrounded by the Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic Belt of Crimea, Greater Caucasus, Pontides, Rhodope-Stranja Massif, Eastern Srednegorie, North Dobrogea and older tectonic units of different origins and ages such as the Precambrian East European Craton, Moesian Platform, Istanbul Zone and Adzhar-Trialet Folded System. Low heat flow density dominates in the Black Sea. The lowest (less•30 mW/m2 ) values have been recorded in central parts of the Western and Eastern Black Sea basins with maximal sedimentary thickness. Geothermal studies within the territories of Ukraine have been under way since sixties. Many important features of the thermal field remain unstudied. This applies in particular to the Ukrainian Shield and to the southern part of the Carpathian region. In general, the territory of Alpine folding within Turkey, Marmara and Aegean seas, Caucasus is characterized by high heat flow. The anomaly of its highest values (above 100 –150 mW/m2 ) exists within western Turkey, where tectonic conditions of extension prevail and underground steam is used to produce electricity. Three heat flow density profiles crossing the studied region and heat flow map were compiled.