Subsurface density architecture and structural controls of the Dendang non-volcanic geothermal area, west Bangka, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58524/jograv.v1i2.183Keywords:
Satellite gravity, Subsurface density structure, Non-volcanic geothermal, Gravity inversion, DendangAbstract
The Dendang hot-spring area in West Bangka, Indonesia, represents a non-volcanic geothermal setting developed within a granitic geological environment. This study investigates the subsurface density architecture beneath the Dendang geothermal area using satellite-derived gravity data. Free-Air Anomaly and elevation data obtained from the TOPEX data portal were processed to construct the Complete Bouguer Anomaly, followed by spectral analysis, regional–residual anomaly separation, two-dimensional forward modelling, and three-dimensional gravity inversion. The Complete Bouguer Anomaly ranges from approximately 21.0 to 42.7 mGal, indicating substantial lateral variation in subsurface density. The gravity models reveal contrasting shallow low-density and deeper high-density domains. Based on comparison with the regional geological framework, the higher-density bodies are interpreted as being compatible with granitic and basement-related rocks, whereas lower-density zones are associated with shallower sedimentary and less consolidated materials. The three-dimensional model indicates that high-density domains remain significant to the maximum investigated depth of approximately 8.3 km, although their lithological identity is non-unique and should be interpreted cautiously. The spatial relationship between gravity gradients, mapped geological structures, and the Dendang hot-spring manifestation suggests that structural discontinuities may influence subsurface fluid circulation. The observed surface manifestation, with a temperature of approximately 49 °C, should be regarded as a discharge characteristic rather than a direct indicator of reservoir temperature.
References
1. Hosono, T., Hartmann, J., Louvat, P., Amann, T., Washington, K. E., West, A. J., Okamura, K., Böttcher, M. E., & Gaillardet, J. (2018). Earthquake-induced structural deformations enhance long-term solute fluxes from active volcanic systems. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-32735-1
2. Zhang, Z., Yao, H., Wang, W., & Liu, C. (2021). 3-D crustal azimuthal anisotropy reveals multi-stage deformation processes of the Sichuan Basin and its adjacent regions. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 127, e2021JB023289, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB023289
3. Liu, S., Suardi, I., Xu, X., Yang, S., & Tong, P. (2021). The geometry of the subducted slab beneath Sumatra revealed by regional and teleseismic traveltime tomography. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 126(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JB020169
4. Dewi, K. C. S., Siregar, R. N., Ningati, T. I., Pulungan, Z. N., Indriyawati, A., & Takahashi, H. (2025). Analysis of subsurface faults using 3D gravity method based on satellite image data: Insights into Indo-Australian and Eurasian plate subduction in the formation of an accretionary prism. International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability, 4(3), 135–148.
5. Hariyono, E., & S, L. (2018). The characteristics of volcanic eruption in Indonesia. In Volcanoes – Geological and Geophysical Setting, Theoretical Aspects and Numerical Modeling, Applications to Industry and Their Impact on Human Health. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71449
6. McCaffrey, R. (2009). The tectonic framework of the Sumatran subduction zone. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 37, 345–366. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.031208.100212
7. Hristov, V., Stoyanov, N., Valtchev, S., Kolev, S., & Benderev, A. (2019). Utilization of low enthalpy geothermal energy in Bulgaria. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 249(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/249/1/012035
8. Taruna, R. M., & Banyunegoro, V. H. (2018). Earthquake relocation using double difference method for 2D modelling of subducting slab and back arc thrust in West Nusa Tenggara. Jurnal Penelitian Fisika dan Aplikasinya (JPFA), 8(2), 132–143. https://doi.org/10.26740/jpfa.v8n2.p132-143
9. Collings, R., Lange, D., Rietbrock, A., Tilmann, F., Natawidjaja, D., Suwargadi, B., Miller, M., & Saul, J. (2012). Structure and seismogenic properties of the Mentawai segment of the Sumatra subduction zone revealed by local earthquake traveltime tomography. Journal of Geophysical Research, 117, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB008469
10. Jihad, A., Muksin, U., Syamsidik, & Ramli, M. (2021). Earthquake relocation to understand the megathrust segments along the Sumatran subduction zone. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 630, 012002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/630/1/012002
11. Xu, J., & Kono, Y. (2002). Geometry of slab, intraslab stress field and its tectonic implication in the Nankai Trough, Japan. Earth, Planets and Space, 54(7), 733–742. https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03351726
12. Kusuhara, F., Kazahaya, K., Morikawa, N., Yasuhara, M., Tanaka, H., Takahashi, M., & Tosaki, Y. (2020). Original composition and formation process of slab-derived deep brine from Kashio Mineral Spring in central Japan. Earth, Planets and Space, 72(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-020-01225-y
13. Malod, J. A., Karta, K., Beslier, M. O., & Zen, M. T. (1995). From normal to oblique subduction: Tectonic relationships between Java and Sumatra. Journal of Southeast Asian Earth Sciences, 12(1–2), 85–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/0743-9547(95)00023-2
14. Li, C. F. (2011). An integrated geodynamic model of the Nankai subduction zone and neighboring regions from geophysical inversion and modeling. Journal of Geodynamics, 51(1), 64–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jog.2010.08.003
15. Stern, R. J. (2002). Subduction zones. Reviews of Geophysics, 40(4), 3-1–3-38. https://doi.org/10.1029/2001RG000108
16. Utama, H. W., Mulyasari, R., & Said, Y. M. (2021). Geothermal potential on Sumatra Fault System for sustainable geotourism in West Sumatra. JGE (Jurnal Geofisika Eksplorasi), 7(2), 126–137. https://doi.org/10.23960/jge.v7i2.128
17. Tabei, T., Hashimoto, M., Miyazaki, S., Hirahara, K., Kimata, F., Matsushima, T., Tanaka, T., Eguchi, Y., Takaya, T., Hoso, Y., Ohya, F., & Kato, T. (2002). Subsurface structure and faulting of the Median Tectonic Line, southwest Japan inferred from GPS velocity field. Earth, Planets and Space, 54(11), 1065–1070. https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03353303
18. Tongkul, F. (2017). Active tectonics in Sabah – seismicity and active faults. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, 64, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm64201703
19. Maryanto, S. (2017). Geo techno park potential at Arjuno–Welirang volcano hosted geothermal area, East Java, Indonesia (multi geophysical approach). AIP Conference Proceedings, 1908. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5012712
20. Sujitapan, C., Kendall, J. M., Chambers, J. E., & Yordkayhun, S. (2024). Landslide assessment through integrated geoelectrical and seismic methods: A case study in Thungsong site, southern Thailand. Heliyon, 10(2), e24660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24660
21. Chambers, J., Holmes, J., Whiteley, J., Boyd, J., Meldrum, P., Wilkinson, P., Kuras, O., Swift, R., Harrison, H., Glendinning, S., Stirling, R., Huntley, D., Slater, N., & Donohue, S. (2022). Long-term geoelectrical monitoring of landslides in natural and engineered slopes. The Leading Edge, 41(11), 768–776. https://doi.org/10.1190/tle41110768.1
22. Whiteley, J. S., Watlet, A., Uhlemann, S., Wilkinson, P., Boyd, J. P., Jordan, C., Kendall, J. M., & Chambers, J. E. (2021). Rapid characterisation of landslide heterogeneity using unsupervised classification of electrical resistivity and seismic refraction surveys. Engineering Geology, 290, 106189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2021.106189
23. Martinho, E. (2023). Electrical resistivity and induced polarization methods for environmental investigations: An overview. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06214-x
24. Kusumayudha, S. B., Lestari, P., & Paripurno, E. T. (2018). Eruption characteristic of the sleeping volcano Sinabung, North Sumatera, Indonesia, and SMS gateway for disaster early warning system. Indonesian Journal of Geography, 50(1), 70–77. https://doi.org/10.22146/ijg.17574
25. Meju, M. A., & Le, L. (2002). Geoelectromagnetic exploration for natural resources: Models, case studies and challenges. Surveys in Geophysics, 23, 133–205.
26. Lange, D., Tilmann, F., Henstock, T., Rietbrock, A., Natawidjaja, D., & Kopp, H. (2018). Structure of the central Sumatran subduction zone revealed by local earthquake travel-time tomography using an amphibious network. Solid Earth, 9(4), 1035–1049. https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1035-2018
27. Lin, J. Y., Sibuet, J. C., Hsu, S. K., & Wu, W. N. (2014). Could a Sumatra-like megathrust earthquake occur in the South Ryukyu subduction zone? Earth, Planets and Space, 66(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/1880-5981-66-49
28. Siringoringo, L. P., Sapiie, B., Rudyawan, A., & Sucipta, I. G. B. E. (2024). Origin of high heat flow in the back-arc basins of Sumatra: An opportunity for geothermal energy development. Energy Geoscience, 5(3), 100289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engeos.2024.100289
29. Hochstein, M. P., & Sudarman, S. (1993). Geothermal resources of Sumatra. Geothermics, 22(3), 181–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6505(93)90042-L
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Ramadhani, Korhan Cengiz (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
