Identification of Geological Structure Based on Gravity Method in Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, located in Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, has a geothermal potential. However, this potential is accompanied by geohazard risks, one of which is a volcanic eruption that can interfere with the development of geothermal potential. On February 12, 2022, there was a gust of volcanic gas from Ratu Crater, indicating an increase in volcanic activity after an eruption in 2019. Based on the geological map of Tangkuban Parahu/Sunda Volcano Complex, it is estimated that there is a fault structure in a northwest-southeast direction, where if a volcanic eruption occurs, it will cause greater deformation because it cuts through Ratu Crater. Further studies with geophysical methods are needed to estimate the fault structure. The study of the subsurface geological structure of Tangkuban Parahu Volcano was carried out using the gravity method by studying variations in the gravitational field on the earth’s surface to determine differences in rock density. The Complete Bouguer Anomaly (CBA) value from the gravity method at Tangkuban Parahu Volcano shows 68 – 73 mGal, and residual anomaly values ranged from -0.95 to 0.67 mGal. The negative residual anomaly value between -0.95 to 0 mGal shows the weak zone due to volcanism in the crater. On the other hand, high residual anomaly values ranging from 0 to 0.67 mGal are interpreted as the influence of Lava 1 Tangkuban Parahu (Tl1). Analysis using First Horizontal Derivative (FHD) and Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) shows a fault structure trending Northwest – Southeast, which can be a way out of the accumulation of high-pressure water vapor due to volcanic activity.