Kula
Project Summary
The Kula project is one of the biggest, if not the biggest exploration project in Turkey. The region is situated in a tectonically very active stress regime, between the Alasehir graben and the Simav graben. It is characterized by plenty of volcanic features such as 80 cinder cones, maars and lava flows of different eruption periods. Human footprints have been discovered on the youngest lava flows which are dated just a few thousand years ago.
The region hosts an ancient thermal spa, which was used by the Romans already, as documented by stone engravings and remainders of Roman buildings at the spa location. The thermal springs are still used to operate a public bath.
Research in this area is going on since over 100 years and various models were derived for explaining the volcanism of Kula. The most recent research studies assume an upwelling of the mantle below Kula coming along with a thinning of the crust and hence elevated heat flow. Kula is a locus of highest extensional stresses in Western Turkey and the lava might have risen up from the mantle through extensional fractures. Increased extension induces greater dilation on faults, which in turn enhances deep circulation of fluids and thus favours geothermal activity.
The extensional stress regime, the high heat flow and the variety of volcanic and hydrothermal surface manifestations suggest that the Kula region contains abundant geothermal resources.
Photo Gallery
- Location map
- A mosque in front of the Kula volcano
- Picturesque rock formations
- Hot spring
- Young lava flow
- Reconnaissance work in the field
- Investigating sinter rocks
- The Gediz river running through the field (in summer time)
| location | province of Manisa, Western Turkey |
|---|---|
| licensed area | 21,200 hectare (212 km²) |
| Geothermeon's share | 50% |
| project stage | exploration |
| resource type | hydrothermal and HFR / EGS |
| expected drilling depth | > 800 m |
| expected temperature range | > 140°C |
| key features |
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