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Geochemical Assessment for Morendat East Geothermal Prospect, Using Radon and Carbondioxide Concentration from Soil, Kenya



Author(s)

Jesca Muga

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2193/2017.01.004

Geochemical assessment was carried out at the Morendat East geothermal prospect by characterizing radon (²²⁰Rn) and Carbondioxide (CO₂) concentration levels from soil-gas survey. The primary aim was to locate permeable zones and infer the presence of possible heat source linked to an active geothermal system. The secondary aim was to rank the prospect and facilitate its development by the private sector. This study focused on the distribution of Radon and Carbon dioxide concentration levels in the soil cover within Morendat East area located in Nakuru County. The area was considered as having potential for geothermal resource hence earmarked for study in the financial Year 2014/2015 by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. The location is characterized by scarcity of surface geothermal manifestations hence soil gas survey was considered appropriate for the study. Random sampling method was used and resulted in sampling 100 points in an area of about 90 km₂. CO₂ concentration measurements were done using an Orsat gas sampling apparatus whereas ²²⁰Rn gas concentrations were measured using a portable radon detector. The CO₂ values ranged from 0-5.4% while the ²²⁰Rn ranged from 0-2,834 counts per minute (cpm). Possible faults were inferred north of the prospect area due to the anomalously high levels of CO₂ and ²²⁰Rn recorded.

Carbondioxide, radon, geochemical exploration, permeability and soil gas survey.