Assessment of Low-temperature Geothermal Resource of Hammam Faraun Hot Spring, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

The tectonic position of Egypt in the northeastern corner of the African continent suggests that it may possess significant geothermal resources, especially along its eastern margin. The most promising areas for geothermal exploration in the NW Red Sea-Gulf of Suez rift system are located where the eastern shore of the Gulf of Suez is characterized by superficial thermal manifestations including a cluster of hot springs with varied temperatures. Gravity and magnetotelluric reconnaissance surveys were carried out over the geothermal region of Hammam Faraun in order to infer the subsurface densities and electric resistivity that can be related to rock units. The objectives of these surveys were to determine and parameterize the subsurface source of Hammam Faraun hot spring and therefore, eliciting the origin of Hammam Faraun hot spring. Based on these data a conceptual model and numerical simulation were made in the geothermal area of Hammam Faraun. The geothermal numerical simulation succeeded to determine the characteristics of the heat sources beneath Hammam Faraun hot spring and showed that the origin of the hot spring is due to high heat flow and deep ground water circulation in the subsurface reservoir controlled by faults. This studies followed by an assessment of geothermal potential for electric generation on Hammam Faraun hot spring.