Curie Point Depth Analysis Reveals Geothermal Potential in Ulu Slim Hydrothermal Environment, Western Malaysia

Understanding the geothermal structure of Malaysia is intriguing and essential for assessing its renewable energy potential; so far, limited studies have constrained the depth to the Curie isotherm and associated heat flow. This study has investigated the geothermal potential of the Ulu Slim Hot Spring in a non-volcanic setting and emphasized the role of the granitic intrusions and the structural controls in sustaining an anomalous high heat flow. The spectral analysis of the aeromagnetic data has revealed that shallow Curie Point Depths (CPDs) are consistent with elevated geothermal gradients (GG) and heat flow (HF). The thermal anomalies, together with the surface hot spring manifestations, indicate a shallow hydrothermal system. The result of the study highlights a regional scale CPD values across the study area, which range from 12 to 33 km with an average value of 28 km, the geothermal gradients range between 18 to 49 °C/km, and the heat flow values range from 39 to 107 mW/m2 with an average value of 49 mW/m2. The results of this study have isolated the zones of high geothermal potential, which are characterized by shallow CPD, high geothermal gradient, and elevated surface heat flow, and the findings have established a framework for future geothermal exploration and resource development in Malaysia.