Abstract
Although Egypt is not characterized by abundant Cenozoic igneous activity, its location in the northeastern corner of the African plate suggests that it may possess geothermal resources, especially along its eastern margin. The Eastern Desert of Egypt characterizes by some geothermal potential fields particularly adjacent to the Red Sea. Although the western part of Egypt (Western Desert) has low regional temperature gradients, there are many wells with deep artesian aquifers which represent a low-temperature geothermal resource (35-40°C). In addition, the eastern shore of the Gulf of Suez consists of the hottest springs, including Ain Sokhna, Ayun Musa, Ain Hammam Faraun and Hammam Musa. These areas along both shores of the Gulf of Suez are the most promising for geothermal development. Many geothermal explorations were carried out in Egypt using geophysical and geochemical techniques. Recently obtained data indicates a temperature of 120°C or higher may be found in the reservoir located adjacent to the Gulf of Suez and Red Sea coastal zone. A conceptual model was constructed for the Hammam Faraun hot spring on the eastern side of the Gulf of Suez, which is the hottest spring in Egypt. The model shows the heat source of the hot spring is probably derived from high terrestrial heat flow and deep fluid circulation controlled by faults associated with the opening of the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez rifts.
