Using constrained gravity inversions to identify high-heat-producing granites beneath thick sedimentary cover in the Cooper Basin region of central Australia

Geothermal systems in Australia are unconventional, consisting of high-heat-producing granites beneath insulating sediments. Three-dimensional constrained gravity inversions and gravity ‘worming’ were used in the Cooper Basin region of central Australia to delineate low density regions within the basement, that we define as interpreted granite bodies (IGBs). Results of 3D thermal modelling, applied to a 3D model of the region, were compared to down-hole temperature measurements implying that a number of the IGBs are high-heat-producing. Two regions with high-heat-producing IGBs, beneath at least 3000 m of sediments, were identified and are considered to have high potential for geothermal resources.