Results of Gravity and Ground Magnetic Survey of Menengai Geothermal Field, Kenya.

Abstract

Geothermal energy is increasingly becoming an important source of electricity generation in Kenya. It is estimated that more than 7000MW of electricity can be generated from geothermal prospects in Kenya. Identifying and delineating this resource can be done using geophysical methods. Currently Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has commenced drilling geothermal exploration wells in Menengai area and from the first well the results showed very good results. Gravity and Ground magnetic survey was carried out in Menengai area to map the subsurface structure. The Gravity measurements and total magnetic field intensity was taken with a station spacing of approximately 1km apart. Data reductions has been done and used to plot contour maps of the study area. Both data sets indicate that the northern part of the geothermal field is demagnetized indicating a zone of possible higher temperature and higher degree of hydrothermal alteration and intruded with high density bodies in the upper crust.