Geology Structure Identification in Ranau Lake with Bathymetry and Geoscience Data Integration

Abstract

 Lake Ranau is one of the areas planned for the development of geothermal power plants owned by PT PLN (Persero). The Lake Ranau area lies in a tectonically active zone formed by the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This region is also intersected by several faults on the island of Sumatra, including the Sumatran Fault. Faults play a critical role in identifying geothermal potential, as they often serve as pathways for heat and fluid movement. To assess geothermal potential, geological, stratigraphic, and lithological studies are conducted to identify permeable zones connected to heat sources beneath the Earth's surface. However, these studies are typically limited to land areas. Since the Lake Ranau Geothermal Working Area (WKP) includes a lake, a specialized study is required to explore the potential presence of permeable zones within the lake. Research aimed at defining permeable zones in the lake has incorporated bathymetric survey data to identify additional faults or structures that may enhance permeability in the Lake Ranau WKP. By integrating bathymetric methods, researchers can gain insights into subsurface structures beneath the lake bed that could act as permeability pathways, contributing to the area's geothermal potential.