Geological structure and origin of the Kaochaison hot spring in Phattalung, Southern Thailand

Abstract

Geophysical measurements were conducted in the Kaochaison hot spring area in southern Thailand. The purpose ofthis work is to determine subsurface geological structures related to the hot spring. Ninety-five gravity points and thirtysevenresistivity soundings were measured in the study area. A positive gravity anomaly is observed in the same area of highresistive bedrock over the Kaochaison hot spring. Both anomalies have an elongated shape with its major axis in N010Wdirection. A shallow Permian limestone of about 1 km thickness was modeled to explain this positive gravity anomaly. ThisPermian limestone is likely to be a part of a horst and graben structure related to the regional tectonics and the normal faultsact as pathways of the hot waters from a deeper heat source.

Keywords

• Hot spring
• gravity anomaly
• resistivity sounding
• horst and graben
• Phattalung