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Magnetotellurics is a passive electromagnetic geophysical exploration technique that uses natural electric fields from lightning sources, solar flares and ionospheric resonances to induce current flow in the ground. MT images the earth’s subsurface by measuring natural variations of electrical and magnetic fields at the Earth’s surface. Depth of investigation ranges from surface to 10,000m and beyond by recording higher frequencies with long-period sounding. Data are measured and converted to resistivity and then modeled to interpret the geology of the survey area in 3D.

Geophysics plays an important role in geothermal exploration. Electromagnetic (EM) data provide a substantial contribution to the process of geophysical mapping and monitoring of geothermal reservoirs by measuring various physical parameters of the subsurface rocks, such as resistivity, porosity and density. Geophysical methods provide essential data for identifying and developing these valuable resources in an environmentally friendly, reliable and cost-effective way. Geothermal exploration programs are typically designed to locate and characterize geothermal resources with the ultimate goal of building a model of the reservoir using geologic and geophysical exploration techniques.

Exploration programs are usually developed in 3 steps: reconnaissance, pre-feasibility and feasibility. The size and budget of the exploration program should be proportional to the following characteristics: Exploration objectives, Importance of the resources you expect to find, Planned utilization of the resource. Understandably, any reduction in the number or size of the program(s) will lead to a decrease in costs; however, it will also lead to a corresponding increase in risk of error or failure. On the other hand, decreasing exploration risk can increase the overall project cost. The economic success of a geothermal exploration program centers on finding the right balance between cost and risk. In order to minimize costs while effectively managing risk, it is essential that geophysicists work in close collaboration with geologists to carefully select the most appropriate geophysical method(s.)