Proceedings World Geothermal Congress 2005

Antalya, Turkey, 24-29 April 2005

Controlled Source Magnetotelluric (CSMT) Survey of Malabuyoc Thermal Prospect,

Malabuyoc/Alegria, Cebu, Philippines

R.A.Del Rosario, Jr., M.S. Pastor and R.T. Malapitan

Geothermal and Coal Division, Energy Resource Development Bureau, Department of Energy, Energy Center, Merritt Road, Ft.
Bonifacio, Taguig, MM, Philippines
rogelio_delrosario65@yahoo.com, mikepastor68@yahoo.com, ruelmalapitan@yahoo.com

Keywords: Controlled Source Magnetotelluric, Malabuyoc, From Cebu City, the town of Malabuyoc is about 123 kms
MRF or 4-hour drive via Car-Car-Dalaguete-Ginatilan Provincial
Highway or about 3-hour via Car-Car Barili Road going
ABSTRACT south to Ginatilan. From Malabuyoc proper, the thermal
spring is located north-northwest in Brgy. Montaneza. It
The Controlled Source Magnetotelluric (CSMT) survey
could be reached via barangay road leading to Sitio Mainit,
conducted at Malabuyoc geothermal prospect aims at
where the thermal spring is situated.
establishing the presence and extent of hot water to a
medium depth of 300-500 meters for non-electrical
applications of geothermal fluids.

The resistivity anomalies in the prospect are largely

controlled by geologic structure (faulted anticlinal structure).
VISAYAN SEA

The Malabuyoc system is categorized as a basement aquifer

Ph
ilip
beneath a sedimentary basin with the heated fluid probably

PH
Tacloban City

pin
PANAY

ILIP
eF
originating at the center of the basin east of the survey area. Iloilo

PIN
aul
Basin

E
The fluid is channeled along the Middle Diagonal and

t Zo
Iloilo City

Montañeza River Faults (MRF) and emerged along the

ne
Bacolod City

CEB

SE
A
stretch of Montaneza River as warm seepages. NEGROS Cebu City
LEYTE

Visayan
The best site to drill for a well that could extract possible Basin

OL
hot/warm water for spa resort development is the area

H
BO
bounded by steep resistivity gradient coincident with MRF. Survey
Tagbilaran
A
Possible hot water is at permeable karst aquifer located at Area SE
O
NA
M

depth between the –100 to –300 m below sea level (bsl).

ind

DA
IN
an

M
ao
Lin

Butuan
1. INTRODUCTION
ea
m
en

The Controlled Source Magnetotelluric (CSMT) survey was

t

Dipolog
Cagayan de Oro
conducted over the Malabuyoc Geothermal Prospect from
May 16, 2002 - June 8, 2002 covering the towns of
Malabuyoc and a portion of Alegria, in Cebu Province. The Figure 1: Tectonic Scenario of Cebu Province
survey is the Department of Energy's (DOE's) commitment
in the Health Spa Resort Development Project, an inter- 1.2 Regional Geologic and Tectonic Setting
agency collaboration between the Department of Tourism The whole island of Cebu, together with parts of Negros and
(DOT), Department of Energy (DOE) and Philippine Bohol Islands, lies within the Visayan Basin, a N-S trending
Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care- structural basin consisting of horst and graben and several
Department of Health (PITAHC-DOH). The project small-interconnected sub-basins (BED, 1985) (Fig. 1). It is
objective is to promote identified geothermal areas for health bounded on the east by the Philippine Fault and on the west
spa resort development while the survey is to establish the by the probable extension of Mindanao Lineament. Cebu
presence and extent of hot water at a medium depth between Island is situated near the center of the Visayan Basin
300-500 meters for non-electrical applications. This forming a structural high separated from Negros and Bohol
technique has been used successfully in the exploration of by downfaulted blocks. Structural trends are generally
shallow groundwater resources in the United States (Zonge, northwesterly in the southern part and northerly in the
1992). northern part.

1.1 Location and Accessibility Forming the backbone of Southern Cebu is the Late
The Malabuyoc Geothermal Prospect Area (MGPA) is Cretaceous to Paleocene Pandan Formation consisting of
located in Cebu Island (Figure 1). Cebu Island is situated metamorphosed limestone, shale and conglomerate with
between the islands of Negros in the west, Bohol and Leyte lenses of lava flows and coal (Barnes, 1956; Hashimoto and
on the east, Siquijor on the south and Masbate on the north. Balce, 1977; Alcantara, 1980; BMG, 1981) (Fig. 2).
Cebu City is the capital of the province located midway on Intruding Pandan Formation were several fine to medium
the eastern coast of the island. It is accessible by air, land grained andesite sills and dykes (Barnes, 1956). The
and sea. intrusions are generally concordant with Pandan but in
places cut through the sedimentary rocks as dykes. Pandan
Formation is unconformably overlain by the Argao Group

1
Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan.

(Barnes, 1956) of Late Oligocene to Early Miocene age 1.3 Local Geology and Structures
consisting of three members: Calagasan Formation, Bugtong The survey area is located along the western flank of an 18-
Limestone and Linut-Od Formation. Alcantara (1980) added kilometer long and 3 kilometer wide NNE trending plunging
a fourth member, the Mantalongon limestone. Calagasan asymmetrical anticline. (CPRS, 1974 and BED-ELC, 1979)
Formation is composed of conglomerate, sandstone and (Fig. 3). This anticline is separated into two by the NW-SE
shale with limestone and coal interbeds while Bugtong trending strike slip fault at the vicinity of Legaspi River
Limestone is massive to thin bedded, white to light brown namely: the Alegria structure in the north and the
and yellowish gray, fine to medium grained relatively dense Malabuyoc structure in the south. On the surface the
crystalline to shaly and sandy limestone deposited in Malabuyoc Anticline a length of 6 kilometer and a width of
shallow warm seas during Early Miocene. The two are 3 kilometer trends NNE. A diagonal fault runs across the
overlain by the Linut-Od Formation consisting of Lower middle part of this anticline with the northern block forming
Miocene coal-bearing sequence of clastic rocks similar in an upthrown structure favorable for trapping hydrocarbon
lithology to Calagasan. In turn, the Linu-Od is overlain by (CPRS, 1976). The northern block was offset left-laterally
Mantalongon Limestone, a Miogypsina and lepidocyclina by another WNW trending fault called by the present study
bearing limestone blocks in Argao-Dalaguete region. Argao as the Montañeza River Fault (MRF) (BED-ELC, 1979).
Group is equivalent to Naga Group of Santos-Ynigo and MRF pass through the Montañeza River and was manifested
Cebu and Malubog Formations of Corby (1951) and BED in the field by abrupt topographic break and alignment of
(1985) in Central and Northern Cebu. Widespread in the thermal spring along the Montañeza River (Malapitan and
area is the Barili Formation (MGB, 1981) of Late Miocene Del Rosario, 2002). South of the thermal area, a North-
to Pliocene consisting of lower limestone member and upper South normal fault was noted running parallel with the
marl member. The limestone is light brown, hard, corraline, southern extension of the Malabuyoc anticline. This fault
locally porous or sandy, richly fossiliferous while the marl is was intersected by Malabuyoc-1 well (CPR, 1976).
poorly bedded, generally brown, slightly sandy, fossilferous
123*21'
with thin limestone interbed. Together with Mt. Uling 123*20'

Limestone, Toledo and Carcar Formation, Barili formation 9*43' LEGEND

was initially included in the Balamban group of Barnes Oil/Gas Well

Warm spring Lumpan
(1956) and Santos-Ynigo (1967). Occupying the lower Barili Marl
L eg
a sp
iR
Legaspi ive
r
flanks of the ridges and covering almost all of the coastal Barili Limestone

areas is the Pleistocene Carcar Formation. It is a shallow Carcar Formation

U D

Anticline
Quaternary Alluvium Lanaya
marine, porous, coralline, massive to poorly bedded Geologic Contact Bl
C
limestone deposit that is rich in mollusk, coral stems, algae Fold Tumandok

Malabuyoc
Samuyao
and foraminifera. Fault (dashed when inferred) BM Abungon
CSMT Station U
Siag D
Tape BM

CF Daanbantayan

r
Bantayan Qal Montaneza R ive
Mo za
Island CF nta Canlaga ne
ne za nta
CF R Mo
ive Mandayang
Mainit r Fa
ult
Qal Lombo
ult
NBM l Fa
ona
Qal iag
Lanao Ginalayugan d le D
Mid
U Candalag
Bm D
Malabuyoc Anticline

BM

CF Bl Tamia
Kantipase D U Cangulay
t
outh Faul

Qal

K BM
CF CV MF TF
Armenia
North-S

MF
Sorsogon
Qal Danao

MF CF
CF
CV X Compostela
MF
Qal
K CAMOTES SEA
CF MALABUYOC
CV BM
X Qal
Sali
Mactan Island Qal ring
CF MF K Cebu City CF Riv
er
ait

Qal Parali
Str

Naga
BM Bl
n

CF
no

Mindanaw
Ta

Carcar
Qal
LEGEND CF
Bl K Pandan Formation
CV Cansi Volcanics Mahanlog
Bm Bl
X Diorite Labrador
ait

9*38'
MF Malubog Formation
Str

Bl Argao TF Toledo Formation

Bl Barili Limestone
hol

Mts
Barili Marl
Bo

Bm
Dalaguete CF Carcar Formation
Bl Qal Alluvium
Geologic Contact Figure 3: Geology of Malabuyoc Thermal Prospect
Bm CF
Fault
The prospect and its surrounding environs are basically
Fold
underlain by the Mio-Pliocene marine sediments consisting
CF
of Barili Formation and Quaternary alluvium (CPR, 1976;
MGB, 1985; Malapitan and Del Rosario, 2002) (Fig. 3).
Barili Formation is the most dominant rock type in the
Figure 2: General Geology of Cebu Province survey area while the Alluvium consisting of detrital
sediments, flood plain debris, coral reefs and gravel deposits
abounds the coastlines, riverbanks and lowland areas. Barili
Formation is subdivided into Barili marl and Barili
2
 Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan

limestone members (MGB, 1985). The Barili marl is poorly 2.2 Survey Methodologies
bedded, slightly sandy and with occasional thin beds of A total of 31 CSMT stations were occupied (Fig. 4). Stations
limestone (MGB, 1985). The Barili limestone is generally were randomly distributed to an average areal distance of 1
dense, massive, white to buff and locally coralline. It kilometer between stations covering the Barangays of
occupies the topographic high displaying karst, gorge and Montañeza, Lumbo, Armenia, Tolosa and Sorsogon all in
knife-edge features. Malabuyoc and Barangays Legaspi, Lumpan and Mompeller
in Alegria. Acquisition of resistivity data is through a
1.4 Thermal Manifestation receiver capable of receiving, collecting and processing
Thermal manifestation occurs as two separate warm spring telluric and magnetic signals at 14 different frequencies
seepages approximately 20-m apart at Montañeza River in ranging from 5,120 Hz to 0.625 Hz. Measurements of data
Sitio Mainit, Brgy. Montañeza. The first thermal spring, were carried out in random style utilizing a "fixed"
which is the hotter, discharges from the crevices of the lower transmitter site and a roving receiver site spaced 3-6 km
limestone member at left bank upstream while the second apart. The transmitter, which is approximately 1.4 km. and
spring, diluted by the river water comes out from the pile of oriented N85oE was placed in Sitio Parale, Barangay
river deposit at the middle of Montañeza River. The first Mindanao, Malabuyoc which is more or less perpendicular
spring, entombed in a concrete box has a discharge to the general trend of structures in the area. Locations of the
temperature of 560 C, neutral pH and flowrate of 2 l/sec proposed station in the field were verified using 1:50,000 M
while second spring partly amidst river deposits has scales map, GPS and thommen altimeter. Since transmitting
indeterminate temperature and flowrate due to dilution of and receiving was done on the same frequency and
river water (BED, 1979; Malapitan and Del Rosario, 2002). simultaneously at a given time, the clock at the transmitter
Both springs discharge crystal clear and lightly steaming and receiver sites were synchronized first before going out
water with faint H2S odor. No significant hydrothermal to the field.
alteration was observed at the thermal spring site.
Chemistry of the thermal water does not indicate thermal 123*20
'
123*21
'

fluid mixing and the associated gas is believed due to 9*43'

decomposition of the organic materials in the marine clastics LEGEND

or from petroleum gas trapped in the reef limestone (BED- Receiver Station
ELC, 1979; Malapitan and Del Rosario, 2002). The A
Transmitter Dipole
Profile Line Mal06
alignments of the two warm seepage possibly suggest A

structurally controlled springs. B' Mal10

C'
C Mal07
Mal02
Mal03r Mal09
1.5 Previous Works
Mal08 Mal11
Mal05r
Mal04r

The surrounding region of the survey area is well studied for Mal30
gas and coal occurrences. Early interest in geothermal D Mal14 Mal12

Mal29
prospecting was done in 1979 through the initiatives of the
Mal28 Mal01r Mal13
Bureau of Energy Development and ElectroConsult (BED- Mal16
Mal23

ELC) under the project “Regional Inventory of Philippine Mal27 Mal31

Geothermal Areas”. The effort led to the identification of Mal17

A'
warm spring occurrences in Malabuyoc, Oslob and Catmon. Mal15
Mal20 Mal22

D'
In 1995, Monzon and Pendon of Department of Energy- A
Mal26
Mal19
Energy Resource Development Bureau (DOE-ERDB) B
Mal25
Mal21
Mal18
reassessed the area for direct and agro-industrial application.
In 2001, Malapitan and Del Rosario of DOE-ERDB,
conducted geological/hydrological survey of the prospect Mal24

leading to the identification of the different lithologies and

the hydrological mechanics of the geothermal prospect.

2. BASIC PRINCIPLES AND SURVEY

METHODOLOGIES
2.1 Basic Principles
The CSMT method uses induced artificial electromagnetic
waves to determine the subsurface electrical resistivity
structure. These waves originate from a finite source
(transmitter dipole), propagate in the earth and “sensed” by
another set of instrument known as the receiver. The ratio of 9*43'

the intersection of the “sensed” horizontal electric and

magnetic fields yields the subsurface resistivity. The method Figure 4: CSMT Station and Location of Profile Lines
utilizes an artificial source similar to direct current (DC)
method wherein an electrical current is introduce to the 3. DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
ground to produce an electrical signal. The signal travels to
The time series data, written in text format are then
the ground in the form of waves of varying frequencies.
downloaded and processed using the CSMT 1-D inversion
Low frequency waves penetrate further into the ground than
software. A flowchart of CSMT data processing and
high frequency waves and varying resistivity at depth could
inversion is shown in Figure 5. Initial processing of the data
be measured from these frequencies.
starts with data sorting rejecting bad or extreme data. The
sorted data are then smoothened and interpolated using the
spline function. A 1-D inversion is then performed either
through resistivity and phase or by phase only. It should be

3
Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan.

noted that only the data of the far field are analyzed in the Data Coordinate
inversion process. Another option is given on the program
wherein both Far field data and Near field data are analyze.

In the inversion process, two options were given to the user Data Sorting
to produce 1-D plot: 1) the No Input Layer Structure
wherein the program automatically assigned the number of
layer models/frequency and 2) the Yes Input Layer Structure Data Files Smoothing Correct Map Position
wherein the user had the hand on the number of layer 1D Inversion
models. Both options require station elevation and
maximum penetration depth in order to calculate the true Near Field)
1D Inversion
resistivity, depth and thickness of each layer. (Far Field)

Far field 1D inversion of the data was performed using both

the resistivity and phase. Static effects were noted and
correlated with the average resistivity curve of the area. We Depthwise
allow the program to automatically assign the number of Contouring
Resistivity Log Surfer
layers. The maximum depth of penetration used for input
for the inversion was 2,000 meters. The depth of Resistivity Section
investigation is related to the square root of ground
resistivity and the inverse square root of signal frequency.
CSMT depth of investigation is roughly equal to skin depth Figure 5: Flow chart of CSMT data processing
(δ) / √ 2. Assuming a background resistivity of 100
ohmmeter, sounding to about 2.5 Hz will get an equivalent
depth of investigation of about 2,000 meters. Soundings up
3.1 Pertinent Well Information
to 0.625 Hz will give an equivalent depth of investigation
much deeper. Studies and practical applications have shown Three wells seeking natural gas and oil were drilled within
that the maximum usable depth is usually between 2 to 3 the survey area (Fig. 6). Information derived from these
kilometers. wells did not have much bearing with geothermal fluid
prospecting except for information related to geology and
The final product is a resistivity-phase-frequency plot of permeability. Below are brief descriptions of the wells.
curve trends and distribution of data sets per frequencies.
Incorporated in the plots are the average field (measured) 3.1.1 CPR-1
and calculated resistivities obtained during the measurement The well was drilled at the eastern flank of the Malabuyoc
as well as the depth, thickness and true resistivities per layer. anticline for testing the middle diagonal fault and the
possible anticlinal trap at the Malabuyoc anticline.
The decision to reject or retest station was based on the
Lithologies were the Upper Miocene to Pliocene marine
results of initial processing. Station with wider range of data
sediments consisting of Barili Marl, the upper, middle and
set per frequency and no apparent curve trend is subject for
lower members of the Barili Formation and the clastic
retesting.
member of the Maingit Formation. Lost circulation zones
After initial processing, the data was subjected to further were encountered at depth between –117 to –257-m and –
processing to produce a more refine and acceptable data for 484-m bsl respectively. CPR-1 has a total depth 1,588-m and
interpretation. The resistivity and phase plots of the has a maximum recordable temperature of 540C (CPR,
individual station were examined for possible error, noise 1976).
and surficial effects. To determine the occurrences of near
field effect and to visualize clear similarities in trend at 3.1.2 CPR-2
depth of the inverted data, correlation among different The well is located about 2.3 km SW of CPR-1 within the
variables such as apparent resistivity, frequency and depth western flank of Malabuyoc anticline. It is the second well
were made using MSExcel and Grapher programs. After drilled by Chinese Petroleum Corporation in January 1975
inversion, the data were processed further and was finally with a purpose of testing the NNE normal fault and the
linked to Surfer, a mapping software to produce anticlinal traps on the south of the Malabuyoc anticline.
isoresistivity maps and cross sections. The data are Lithologies penetrated by the well were the Lower Miocene
interpolated and further smoothened during the process. to Pliocene marine sediments consisting of the upper and
lower limestone member of Barili Formation, the clastic and
Noise analysis, shows that majority of the stations have limestone member of the Maingit Formation, the upper and
good readings in almost all frequencies. A few of the lower limestone member of Toledo Formatio and the clastic
stations have scattered data particularly in the lowermost and member of the Malubog Formation. Lost circulation zone
shallow frequencies. Data for 0.625 Hz are generally noisy were encountered at a depth between –17 m and –178 m and
and scattered and we have some reservations of the quality between –1085 m and –1093 m bsl respectively. CPR-2 has
of data at this frequency. Each station was analyzed based a total depth of 2,045 m and with maximum recordable
on the compactness and closeness of the data population in a temperature of 910C (BED-ELC, 1979).
particular frequency. Good data give us more confidence in
the interpretation and have better fit after inversion.

Examination of the resistivity-phase-frequency plots show

that the measured and inverted resistivity values of most of
the stations depict a similarity of trend. This is shown by
increasing resistivities in the uppermost bands, decreasing
resistivity in the middle to lower band and increasing again
up to the lowermost band.
4
 Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan

Cletom 102-29
500
Barili Upper Lst o o
123 20' 123 21'
CPR-1 Barili Clastic
9o4 3 ' LEG EN
CPR-2 Barili Lower Lst D
Barili Marl O il/G a s
Barili Upper Lst Lum pan
Wa e ll
rm Le
ga s
Barili Upper Lst Barili Clastic Maingit Clastic pi R
0 sFporld
in g Legaspi iv er

Barili Clastic Barili Lower Lst F a u lt ( d a s h e d e

w hen n U D
Barili Lower Lst Lli a n a y a
c
Maingit Clastic
inSf eMr re
C T d) ti
n
A
S t a tio n T um andok c
Sam uyao o
y
u A bungon
b
a U
-500 T ape S ia g al
M
D
Depth (Mts)

ohm -
Maingit Clastic m e te r R iv
er
Maingit Lst 200 M o n ta n e z a Mo za
n ta C a n la g a ne
nez n ta
Mo
190 a R
iv e
rF M andayang
180 M a in it a u lt
-1000 Toledo Lst 170 Luolt m b o
a l Fa
160 D ia gon
d le
150 Lanao G in a la y u g a n M id
140 U C a n d a la g
130 D
e
120 n
lic
110 T a m ia tin
-1500 A
100 K a n tip a s e D U c C a n g u la y
90 o
lt
u y
Toledo Clastic a u
b
80 F a
h la
70 ut M
o
60 A r m e n ia S
-
h S o rso g o n
50 rt
o
N
40
-2000 30
20 M ALABUYO C
10
S a lir
in g
R iv
er
P a ra li

M in d a n a w

Figure 6: Lithologic Profile of Well CPR-1, CPR-2 and M a h a n lo g

Cletom 102-29 o
9 38'
L a b ra d o r

0 1000 2000 3000

M ts

3.1.3 Cletom 102A-29

The well is approximately 3.3 km NNE of CPR-1 within
Lumpan, Alegria. There is not much pertinent information Figure 7: Isoresistivity Contour Map at –50 m below sea
from this well except that the penetrated lithologies were level (bsl)
similar to that of the CPR-1 and CPR-2 wells. It has a total
depth of 716 m.
4.1.2 -100 m bsl
At –100 m bsl, the Lower Lombo anomaly decrease in size
while the Ginalayugan-Kantipase anomaly increased and
4. RESULTS OF THE CSMT DATA ANALYSIS
practically covers western part of the survey area (Fig. 8).
4.1 Isoresistivity Plan Map The anomaly widens at the direction of MRF and middle
Isoresistivity contour maps and resistivity cross sections diagonal fault while its southern edge still coincides with
were prepared to determine the distribution of resistivity at trend of North-South trending fault. The widening feature
depth. These maps and cross sections are based on the 1-D probably suggests the fault as possible conduit for the
inversion of CSMT data and are correlated with other thermal spring in Montañeza River.
relevant information such as geology and structures, well
data, etc. This will serve as the basis of interpretation of the 4.1.3 -150 m bsl
geothermal system present in the area. The Ginalayugan-Kantipase anomaly decreases in this
horizon and is still confined at the western part of the area
4.1.1 -50 m bsl while the Lower Lombo anomaly breaks down into two
At –50 m bsl, a north-south trending low resistivity anomaly segments. Conspicuous here is the intertounging feature of
of <10 ohm meter was noted and termed the Ginalayugan- the 20-ohm meter contour beyond the middle diagonal fault.
Kantipase anomaly (Fig. 7). This anomaly roughly coincides This perhaps suggests either the existence of a possible
with the direction of North-South trending fault. Another extension of MRF beyond the middle diagonal fault or some
low resistivity anomaly of <10 ohm meter termed the Lower sort of a collapse feature brought about by the movement of
Lombo anomaly was noted in Lombo which seems to follow middle diagonal fault.
the direction of the middle diagonal fault. These suggest
structural affinity. 4.1.4 -200 m bsl
The Ginalayugan-Kantipase and lower Lombo anomalies are
now joined with each other forming a single anomaly that
extends beyond the intersection of the middle diagonal fault
and MRF (Fig. 9). This anomaly could indicate the presence
of hot fluid at this depth along MRF.

5
Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan.
123o20' 123o21' 123o20' 123o21'

9o43' LEGEND o
9 43' LEGEND
Oil/Gas Well Oil/Gas Well
Lumpan Lumpan
Warm spring Le
ga
sp i
Warm spring Le
gas
pi R
Legaspi R iv
er Legaspi ive
r
Fold Fold
Fault (dashed Fault (dashed
U D

c Anticline
U D when inferred)

c Anticline
when inferred) Lanaya Lanaya
CSMT Station CSMT Station
Tumandok
Tumandok Samuyao

Malabuyo
Samuyao

Malabuyo
Abungon
Abungon U
U Siag D
D Tape
Tape Siag

ohm-meter ohm-meter
r
Montaneza iv e
er 200 Mo za
R
Montaneza R iv nta Canlaga e
200 Mo a nez tan
nta Canlaga ez a on
nez tan 190 Riv M
190 a Riv M
on er F Mandayang
er F 180 Mainit ault
180 Mandayang
Mainit ault Lombo
170
ault
170 Lombo al F
ault 160 gon
160 al F le D
ia
gon 150 Lanao Ginalayugan
Mid
d
Dia
150 Lanao Ginalayugan dle
Mid 140 U Candalag
140 130 D
U Candalag

Malabuyoc Anticline
130 D 120

Malabuyoc Anticline
120 110 Tamia
110 Tamia 100 Kantipase D U Cangulay
100 Kantipase 90

ult
D U Cangulay

outh Fa
90 80
ult

80
outh Fa

70
70

North-S
60 Armenia Sorsogon
60 50
North-S

Armenia Sorsogon
50 40
40 30
30 20 MALABUYOC
20 10
MALABUYOC Sal
ir in
gR
10 ive r

Sal
irin
Parali
g Riv
er
Parali
Mindanaw

Mindanaw

Mahanlog
Labrador
Mahanlog 9 38'

Labrador
9o 38' Mts

Mts

Figure 9: Isoresistivity Contour Map at –200 m below

Figure 8: Isoresistivity Contour Map at –100 m below sea level (bsl)
sea level (bsl) 123o20' 123o21'

9o43' LEGEND
Oil/Gas Well
Lumpan
4.1.6 -300 m bsl Warm spring
Legaspi
Le
ga
sp i
R iv
er
Fold
The anomaly decreases considerably in size and breaks Fault (dashed
U D

c Anticline
when inferred)
down into two smaller segments termed here as the Mainit CSMT Station
Lanaya

and the Armenia anomalies (Fig. 10). These two anomalies Tumandok
Samuyao

Malabuyo
are bounded on the east by highly resistive blocks. The Abungon
U
D
Tape Siag
Mainit anomaly trends NW along MRF while the Armenia
anomaly lies immediately west of the north trending fault. ohm-meter
e r
Montaneza Riv
Conspicuous in this level is the looming of an almost north- 200 Mo
nta
nez
a
Canlaga
on
ta
ne
za

190 Riv M

south trending middle resistive block that seems to coincide 180 Mainit
er F
ault
Mandayang

Lombo
with the trend of the south Malabuyoc anticline. 170
160 nal
Fau
lt

D iago
150 Lanao Ginalayugan dle
Mid
140 U Candalag
4.1.7 -400 m and –500 m bsl 130 D
Malabuyoc Anticline

120
The Mainit and Armenia anomalies remain the same. The 110 Tamia
100 Kantipase D U Cangulay
middle resistive block increases in size. 90
ult
outh Fa

80
70
4.1.8 -750 m
North-S

60 Armenia Sorsogon
50
The Mainit anomaly remains the same while the Armenia 40
30
anomaly increases tremendously in this level (Fig. 11). On 20 MALABUYOC
10
the other hand, the middle resistive block increases in size Sal
irin
g Riv
er

and is merged with the highly resistive block. Conspicuous Parali

is the steepening of the contour at the southern edge of the Mindanaw

survey area, which probably indicates manifestation of the

north-south trending fault. The trend of the resistive block Mahanlog

coincides with the trend of Malabuyoc anticline. 9o38'

Labrador

Mts

Figure 10: Isoresistivity Contour Map at –300 m below

sea level (bsl)

6
 Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan
o o
123 20' 123 21' W E
Mal 22
9o43' LEGEND
CPR-1
Oil/Gas Well Mal 15r Mal 20
Lumpan ohm-meter
Warm spring Leg
a sp
iR
Mal 26
Legaspi ive
r
Barili Marl
Fold 200
Fault (dashed 0 Barili Upper Lst 190
U D Member

Anticline
when inferred) Lanaya
180
Barili Clastic
CSMT Station Member 170
Tumandok 160
Barili Lower Lst

Malabuyoc
Samuyao
Member 150
Abungon -500
U 140

D e p th (m )
D

N o rth -S o u th F a u lt
Tape Siag 130
Maingit Clastic 120
ohm-meter Member 110
iv e
r 100
Montaneza Mo R -1000
za 90
200 nta
ne
Canlaga ta
ne
za on
190 Riv M
80
e rF Mandayang
180 Mainit ault 70
Lombo
170 lt 60
al Fau
160 gon Maingit Lst 50
Dia -1500
Lanao Ginalayugan dle Member
150 Mid 40
140 U Candalag 30
130 D Malabuyoc Anticline
20
120 10
110 Tamia
Kantipase 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
100 D U Cangulay
Distance (m)
ult

90
outh Fa

80
70
Figure 12: Isoresistivity Profile along Line A-A’
North-S

60 Armenia Sorsogon
50
40
SW
30 Mal 08
20 MALABUYOC
10 500
S alir
ing
Riv
er
Parali
Mal 27
Mal 26
Mal 01r
Mindanaw
0

Mahanlog

M o n ta n e z a R iv e r F a u lt
Labrador
D e p th (M )

o
9 38' -500

Mts

-1000

Figure 11: Isoresistivity Contour Map at –750 m below

sea level (bsl)
-1500

4.2 Isoresistivity Profile

Four isoresistivity profiles were constructed to visualize the
subsurface configuration of the survey area. These are Line 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
A-A which transects the central portion of the survey area, Distance (M)
Line B-B which trends NE-SW cutting MRF, Line C-C
dissecting the northern edge of the survey area and Line D-D
Figure 13: Isoresistivity Profile along Line B-B’
paralleling the MRF and cutting the middle diagonal fault
(Please refer back to Fig. 4). 4.2.3 Line C-C
This section transects the northern portion of the survey area
4.2.1 Line A-A
(Fig. 14). It also runs perpendicular to the northern segment
The traversed line is generally underlain by high resistive of the Malabuyoc anticline and the postulated north trending
blocks (>50 ohm meter) (Fig. 12). Lying underneath were gravity fault in Lumpan area. The line is characterized by a
isolated bodies of middle conductive layer (<20-ohm meter) very thick low resistivity anomaly and is bounded on the
separated at near surface by middle resistive body (>20 oh east by a high resistivity block. The anomaly spreads
meter). laterally towards the east capped by high resistive values.
Conspicuous also on this section is the down thrusting of the
4.2.2 Line B-B resistivity contour in the east, which could be the
This profile trends NE –SW passing through the thermal manifestation at depth of the postulated fault occurring in
spring (Fig. 13). The line is characterized by wide and thick the Lumpan area.
fault-bounded low resistive anomaly at the southwest and
high resistive block in the northeast. A 10-ohm meter 4.2.4 Line D-D
contour at depth of -200 to -300 m is thought to represent an This line dissects the middle portion of the survey area (Fig.
aquifer that seems to be related to the hot spring. The 15). This section was done to determine the outflow of
resistivity contrast indicates the presence of MRF. thermal fluid postulated to be originating east of the survey
area. The section is characterized by fault bounded high
resistive blocks occurring beneath and a very thick low
resistivity anomaly on the NNW existing underneath.
Serving as their boundary was the steep resistivity gradient
postulated to be the manifestation of North-South Fault and
middle diagonal fault at depth. A low resistivity anomaly
7
Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan.

noted on the SSE side of the line was gradually increasing at structure. Foremost of these structures were the north-south
depth and was overlain by high resistive capping. Probable trending fault that delineates the conductive and resistive
manifestation of the Montaňeza river fault at depth was zones, the Malabuyoc anticline, MRF and the middle
noted through the lateral swaying of the <10-ohmmeter diagonal fault. The result is also synonymous with the
contour at shallow depth and presence of a middle postulated anticlinal structure concept of CPRS and
conductive layer in between the resistive block. The middle geological mapping of Malapitan and Del Rosario (2002).
conductive layer could either be a karsts aquifer or The conductive zone generally lies on the western section of
containing part of the heated fluid that is channeled along the survey area trending N-S. It is characterized by a coastal
the MRF. wide resistivity low from Sitio Tumandok to the north down
to Armenia in the south. It lies within the intersection of
middle diagonal fault and MRF and the downthrown side of
W E
the north-south trending fault. The downhrown block, being
Mal 07 a permeable zone, provides an excellent venue either for
Mal 09

500
Mal 10
hot/cold or seawater accumulation or combination of both.
Mal 03r The influence of seawater incursion is evident considering
Mal 02 the trend of the resistivity anomaly relative to the sea.
Montaneza warm spring seepage is within this zone and
0
ohm-meter
along the trace of MRF. The presence of middle diagonal
200
190 fault is best depicted by the alignment of < 40 ohm meter
180
contour at depth –250 m, -500 m and –750 m bsl
Postulated Fault
North-So uth Fault

170
Depth (m)

-500 160
150
respectively while the existence of MRF is exemplified by
140 the deepening and widening of the 10 ohm meter contour at
130
120 –200 m and –250 m bsl respectively. The faulted anticlinal
110
-1000
100 structure environment, which had been established by
90
80
previous studies, was proven by this study. This geological
70
60
concept is manifested by the plunging of the <40-ohm meter
-1500
50 contours in the A-A profile. In the isoresistivity map, it is
40
30 marked by the doming and “ridge effect” of the resistivity
20
10 contour roughly coinciding with the trend of Malabuyoc
2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 anticline.
Distance (m)

Though the resistivity results reflect the subsuface structural

Figure 14: Isoresistivity Profile along Line C-C’ picture of the survey area, variation in resistivity, however,
did not reflect the formational boundary nor the lithological
differences of the rock mapped in the survey area owing to
NNW SSE the wide range of resistivities in sedimentary rocks. The
Mal 22
lithologies penetrated by the three wells were used as
Mal 20
determinant factor in the modeling process. Near the wells,
Mal 16 the topmost high resistive layer probably correspond to the
Mal 29 Mal 01r
isolated limestone beds capping the Barili Marl while the
0
middle conductive layer (<10 ohm meter) could either be the
Barili Marl or the Barili Upper Limestone member. The
ohm-meter presence of clay makes the Barili Marl highly conductive
200 and the low resistivity signature in the limestone could be
-500 190
180 due to its water-saturated vug and cavities. The middle
Depth (m)

170
160
resistive bodies at depth of –1000 m bsl probably correspond
150 to the clastic and limestone member of the Maingit
Middle Diagona l Fault
North-S outh Fault

140
-1000 130 Formation while at lower depth it might be the lower
120
110
limestone member of Barili Formation. This assertion is
100
90
made possible by the fact that the lower limestone member
80 penetrated by CPR-1 is harder, denser and more crystallized
70
-1500
60 than the upper limestone member.
50
40
30
20
6. GEOPHYSICAL MODEL
10

2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500

Due to absence of mappable igneous rocks that will warrant
Distance (m) existence of a possible heat source that will trigger
convection, the system in the area was modeled to be similar
to a basement aquifer beneath sedimentary basins as shown
Figure 15: Isoresistivity Profile along Line D-D’
by their remarkable resemblance.

• A typical basement aquifer occurring beneath

5. DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS sedimentary basin is characterized by the presence of a
To understand the geological significance and geothermal highly permeable aquifer within or near the top of the
implications of the CSMT result, the modeled isoresistivity basement covered by a sequence of younger
maps and profiles were correlated with the existing sedimentary rocks of low permeability (Hochstein and
geological and well studies done within the survey area. Yang, 1988). Similarly, serving as the basement for the
Malabuyoc system was the resistive lower limestone
Results of correlation show that the resistively structure of member of the Barili formation and the clastics and
the thermal prospect was largely controlled by geological limestone member of the Maingit formation while the
aquifer is the karstic low resistive upper limestone
8
 Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan

member of the Barili Formation. It is in turn covered by coincident with MRF. Possible hot water can be extracted
low permeable highly resistive limestone capping the from permeable karst aquifer between depth –100 to –300 m
Barili Marl. bsl. Correlatively, these are the lost circulation zones
encountered from CPR-1 and CPR-2 wells.
• Basement aquifer system occurs beneath the flank of
the basin or in anticline and constitutes a low Given the above-mentioned results, the just concluded
temperature resource and fluids with temperature survey in Malabuyoc has delineated possible presence of an
ranging from 500 C to 650C. Correlatively, resistivity aquifer at shallow-medium depths. The real nature of this
results depict a faulted anticlinal structure that is aquifer has to be established by drilling.
consistent with the recently concluded geological 123*20' 123*21'

mapping conducted by Malapitan and Del Rosario and 9*43'

LEGEND
to the drilling and seismic studies of Chinese Petroleum Oil/Gas Well

Corporation. Montañeza warm springs occur at the Warm spring Leg

a sp
iR
Lumpan

Legaspi iv
flank of the postulated Malabuyoc anticline having a Fold er

discharge temperature of 560C. It is a low temperature Fault (dashed when inferred)

U D

Anticline
Lanaya
resource with subsurface temperature ranging from 61- CSMT Station

680C. Chemistry of the fluid probably derived from Tumandok

Malabuyoc
Inferred Fluid Flow Samuyao
Abungon
marine sediments. Siag
U
D
Tape
Ohm-meter

• Basement aquifer system was relatively shallow 200

190 er
Montaneza Riv
occurring from 0.5 – 1-km depth. Relatively, the 180
Mo
nta
nez Canlaga
nta
n ez
a

aR Mo
aquifer of the Malabuyoc system was shallow occurring 170
Mainit
ive
r Fa
ult
Mandayang
160
between the 200 – 400 m depth below the surface as 150 al F
Lombo
ault
gon
Dia
shown from the generated isoresistivity map and 140 Lanao Ginalayugan
Mid
dle
130
profiles. Likewise, lost circulation indicating permeable 120 U
D
Candalag

zones was encountered several times between the depth 110

Malabuyoc Anticline
100
–117 to –257 m bsl from the drill logs of CPR-1 and 90 Kantipase D U
Tamia
Cangulay
80
between the depth –17 to –178 m bsl of the drill log of

ult
70

outh Fa
CPR-2. 60
50

North-S
Armenia Sorsogon
40
Having established the nature and type of the Malabuyoc 30
thermal system, it can be inferred that the aquifer system is 20
10 MALABUYOC
situated within the middle diagonal fault and MRF as 5
Salir
0
outlined by 10-ohm meter contour at depth –250 m bsl. The in g
R iv
er
Parali
heated fluid probably originates within the center of the
basin at the eastern portion of the survey area, was Mindanaw

channeled along the middle diagonal fault and MRF and

later emerges as warm spring seepage at Montaňeza River. Mahanlog
Labrador
The source of an abnormal thermal gradient that trigger 9*38'

forced convection can be postulated as a trapped heat either

Mts

due to the relatively high thermal conductivity of the

basement rock or due to deep burial or extensive
sedimentary veneer. Figure 16: Geophysical Model of Malabuyoc Thermal
System (at –250 m below sea level)
If a well is to be drilled in the area for the purpose of
extracting possible hot water for spa and resort development,
the best target site is an area bounded by steep resistivity
8. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
gradient coincident with MRF. The depth of the well should
be within the range of –100 m to –300 m bsl to be able to hit The authors would like to thank the following persons who
the permeable aquifer zone. contributed to the success of the survey:

7. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Mr. Vicente M. Karunungan, our Division Chief; Director
Antonio Labios, Gerald Cabizares, Richard Russel and Enric
Modeling of resistivity results depicts a faulted anticlinal Padayao of DOE-Visayas Field Office; Mayor Lito Creus of
structure. Resistivity anomalies of the prospect were largely the Malabuyoc town for logistic support; Ms. Alicia Reyes
controlled by fault structures with the Montañeza warm for her geophysical comment and edition of this report; and
spring occurring at the western flank of the north trending to the Department of Tourism and Department of Health for
Malabuyoc anticline. However, resistivity variation did not their continued trust and believe to ERDB-DOE technical.
reflect the formational boundary nor the lithological
differences of the various rocks mapped in the survey area. REFERENCES
As such the lithologies penetrated by the nearby wells were Bureau of Energy Development. 1979. :Inventory of the
used in showing the geothermal implication of the resistivity Thermal Areas in the Philippines, Philippine-Italian
results. Malabuyoc system was categorized as a basement Technical Cooperation on Geothermics Stage II, DOE
aquifer beneath sedimentary basins with the heated fluid Internal Report, Pp 2
probably originating at the center of the basin located east of
the survey area. The fluid was channeled along the middle Del Rosario, R.A., Pastor, M.S., Malapitan, R.T., Papasin,
diagonal and Montaňeza river faults and emerged at R.F. and Domingo, F.G. 2002.:Comparative Study of
Montaňeza River as warm seepage. the 1999 and 2001 Controlled Source Magnetotelluric
Surveys Done in Manito Lowland Geothermal
The best target site to drill a well for spa and resort Resource, Manito, Albay, DOE Internal Report, 61pp.
development is the area bounded by steep resistivity gradient
9
Del Rosario, Pastor and Malapitan.

Del Rosario, R.A., Papasin, R.F. and Domingo, F.G. 2000.: Mines and Geosciences Bureau. 1982.: Stratigraphy of
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Hsieh, S. H. and Hsu, L. M. 1977.: Well Completion Report Zonge, K. L. and Hughes, L. J. 1992.: Controlled Source
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Malapitan, R.T. and Del Rosario, R. A. 2002.: Geology and Zonge, K. L. 1992.: Introduction to CSAMT, Northwest
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10