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A potential deep geothermal reservoir in eastern Ladakh as inferred from the upper crustal geoelectric structure of the region.

MT investigations have been carried out along the Ukdungle – Hanle – Koyul – Fukche profile in eastern Ladakh, aimed at assessing the geothermal potential of this sector as well as to decipher the tectonics of the region. The shallow geoelectric model from inversion of the MT data delineated a large upper crustal conductor at about 4 km depth, an offshoot of which is seen at shallow depths along the Indus suture zone. This conductor is also connected to another deep conducting layer, representing the laterally extensive zone of partial melts that has been postulated beneath the southern Tibet. This layer extends northward beneath the Ladakh batholith. This system of connected conductive zones implies the presence of a new potential persistent geothermal resource in eastern Ladakh.

"connected conductive zones implies the presence of a new potential persistent geothermal resource in eastern Ladakh"

a: Vertical cross section from the 3-D resistivity model along a SW-NE profile. C and R denote conductor and resistor respectively in the model.

b: A simplified cross-section across the NW India – Eurasian collision zone showing mid-crustal partial melts.

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