| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2.4-0106 |
| Title of Abstract | 3D MAGNETOTELLURIC MODELLING FOR GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION: A CASE STUDY OF THE PUGA FIELD |
| Authors | Arshadhara M U*, Dr. Prasanta K. Patro |
| Organisation | Cochin University Of Science and Technology, CSIR-NGRI |
| Address | Mullappalli(H),Ambikamarket P O, Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala Kottayam, Kerala, India Pincode: 686144 E-mail: arshadharauthaman@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | The Puga geothermal field, located in the Ladakh region of India, is among the most promising high-temperature geothermal systems in the Himalayas. Its tectonically active setting and surface manifestations such as hot springs and fumaroles suggest significant subsurface heat flow and reservoir potential. To evaluate the field¿s subsurface structure and identify possible reservoir zones, this study employs three-dimensional (3D) magnetotelluric (MT) forward modeling in combination with dimensionality analysis. A synthetic 3D resistivity model of the Puga field was developed using resistivity distributions derived from a previously published two-dimensional (2D) inversion study. Synthetic MT responses were generated from this model, exported in .edi format, and then subjected to 2D inversion to evaluate the capability of simplified inversion approaches to recover 3D resistivity features. The inversion successfully reproduced the primary structural elements, most notably the central low-resistivity anomaly interpreted as a geothermal reservoir, although finer-scale details and subtle conductive pathways were not fully resolved¿highlighting the inherent limitations of 2D inversion for complex 3D structures. Dimensionality analysis was performed using Swift¿s and Bahr¿s skew parameters together with phase tensor analysis. These revealed that the subsurface is predominantly 1D¿2D at greater depths but exhibits localized 3D complexity in shallower regions. To explore potential regional connectivity, the resistivity model was extended toward the nearby Chumathang geothermal field. Preliminary modeling results indicate a possible deep conductive linkage between the Puga and Chumathang systems, suggesting that they may share a common deep-seated heat source within the same tectonic regime. This work demonstrates the value of combining 3D forward modeling and 2D inversion to characterize geothermal systems in tectonically active environments. The findings highlight the potential of MT methods for identifying reservoirs, understanding structural controls on fluid flow, and evaluating field connections. The results support future 3D inversion studies and geothermal development in the Himalayan region. |
| Keywords | Magnetotellurics, 3D forward modeling, Geothermal exploration, Puga geothermal field, Dimensionality analysis |