Ambient Noise Tomography studies for geothermal exploration in the Canary Islands

Iván Cabrera-Pérez; Luca D’Auria; Jean Soubestre; David Martínez van Dorth; Germán Cervigón-Tomico; Alba Martín-Lorenzo; Monika Przeor; Rubén García-Hernández; Víctor Ortega; Germán D. Padilla; José Barrancos; Eleazar  Padrón; Nemesio M. Pérez

doi:10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/001

Authors

Iván Cabrera-Pérez Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Luca D’Auria Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Jean Soubestre Université Grenoble Alpes
David Martínez van Dorth Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables (ITER)
Germán Cervigón-Tomico Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Alba Martín-Lorenzo Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Monika Przeor Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables (ITER)
Rubén García-Hernández Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Víctor Ortega Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Germán D. Padilla Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
José Barrancos Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Eleazar Padrón Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)
Nemesio M. Pérez Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/134.3/001

Keywords:

Ambient Noise Tomography, Geothermal Exploration, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma

Abstract

Ambient Noise Tomography is a geophysical exploration technique that has proven to be highly efficient for studies at different scales and for multiple purposes, such as geothermal exploration. In this article, we introduce this technique by reviewing its various steps. Additionally, we present some examples of applications from studies conducted in the Canary Islands (specifically in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma) for geothermal exploration purposes.The study realized in Gran Canaria reveals a series of low-velocity zones in the southern and eastern parts of the island, which could be linked to convective cells. In Tenerife, a low-velocity zone has been observed, potentially associated with a superficial clay cap that could facilitate the ascent of gases to the surface. Finally, the study carried out in La Palma highlights the existence of two low-velocity zones in the southern part of the island, possibly related to hydrothermally altered clay zones, indicating a circulation of hydrothermal fluids.

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