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http://hdl.handle.net/2122/9355
Authors: | Italiano, F.* De Santis, A.* Favali, P.* Rainone, M. L.* Rusi, S.* Signanini, P.* |
Title: | The Marsili Volcanic Seamount (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea): A Potential Offshore Geothermal Resource | Journal: | Energies | Series/Report no.: | /7 (2014) | Publisher: | Molecular Diversity Preservation International | Issue Date: | 2014 | DOI: | 10.3390/en7074068 | Keywords: | Marsili seamount hydrothermal circulation geothermal resource |
Subject Classification: | 04. Solid Earth::04.04. Geology::04.04.04. Marine geology | Abstract: | Italy has a strong geothermal potential for power generation, although, at present, the only two geothermal fields being exploited are Larderello-Travale/Radicondoli and Mt. Amiata in the Tyrrhenian pre-Apennine volcanic district of Southern Tuscany. A new target for geothermal exploration and exploitation in Italy is represented by the Southern Tyrrhenian submarine volcanic district, a geologically young basin (Upper Pliocene-Pleistocene) characterised by tectonic extension where many seamounts have developed. Heat-flow data from that area show significant anomalies comparable to those of onshore geothermal fields. Fractured basaltic rocks facilitate seawater infiltration and circulation of hot water chemically altered by rock/water interactions, as shown by the widespread presence of hydrothermal deposits. The persistence of active hydrothermal activity is consistently shown by many different sources of evidence, including: heat-flow data, gravity and magnetic anomalies, widespread presence of hydrothermal-derived gases (CO2, CO, CH4), 3He/4He isotopic ratios, as well as broadband OBS/H seismological information, which demonstrates persistence of volcano-tectonic events and High Frequency Tremor (HFT). The Marsili and Tyrrhenian seamounts are thus an important—and likely long-lasting-renewable energy resource. This raises the possibility of future development of the world’s first offshore geothermal power plant. |
Appears in Collections: | Article published / in press |
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energies-07-04068.pdf | article | 1.36 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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