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Background: The characterization of fault zones in the Bavarian Molasse Basin plays a major role for further geothermal reservoir development. Hence, their identification, geological origin, and hydraulic characterization are discussed extensively.

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Background The determination of the subsurface conditions and reservoir properties is indispensable for exploration and exploitation of a geothermal field. It includes the expected geological structures as well as the hydraulic, thermal, chemical and mechanical parameters of the target horizon which should be favorable for geothermal utilization. Most essential is a high permeability to supply sufficient flow rates and high temperatures (Stober and Bucher 2012). An area in Germany which fulfills the criteria is the Upper Rhine Graben with a unique geothermal potential (Agemar et al. 2014). Local temperature anomalies with elevated temperatures up to 165 °C are expected at a depth of 2500 m, while the average geothermal gradient of the URG is above 40K km −1 (Agemar et al. 2013). Especially the sedimentary formation of the Triassic, Buntsandstein and Muschelkalk shows high permeabilities, which are necessary to provide high flow rates (Stober and Bucher 2014).

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