A geodynamic based approach for geothermal resources assessment on the island of Flores, Indonesia

The magmatic geothermal systems in Indonesia are geodynamically related to a volcanic arc setting overlying subduction zones. This PhD project, aims to improve the conceptual understanding of the formation of geothermal resources in Indonesia by analyzing the feedback between geodynamic processes and the resulting geothermal resource evolution. In particular, it will concentrate on the tectonic control of the geodynamic setting on the geothermal energy occurrences; investigating the relationship between structural fabric, ongoing deformation mechanism, geothermal occurrences, and geodynamic setting.
The island of Flores, located in the eastern part of the Indonesian volcanic arc, offers a perfect setting to study key relationships between deep lithospheric and crustal control in subduction zones and the distribution of geothermal resources. In particular, the subduction edifice of Flores, is marked by strongly contrasting deep lithosphere signatures. In the western half of the Island, the subducting Indo-Australian plate involved is oceanic, whereas in the eastern part the continental plateau of Australia is involved. Combined with the influence of the “microplate” of Sumba and the Sawu Basin, between the subduction trench and island of Flores, the contrasting geodynamic fabric and processes have created contrasting tectonic features on the island that are likely to control the occurrences of geothermal systems on the island.