Geohazards in geothermal resources exploitation

Abstract

Geohazards need to be taken into account in exploitation of geothermal resources. Geohazards give rise to ground movements and may cause economic and social damage that affect human activities and other infrastructural installations. The hazards regarded in this case include volcanic activities, active fault movements, earthquake activities, landslides, gas fluxes and possibility of flash floods. Each geohazard has its own characteristic way of potential impact and hence classifying vulnerability of different regions and creating awareness on potential impact is essential. Geohazards mapping is necessary for geothermal fields in order to gather a data base, which is instrumental in deriving appropriate mitigation measures.