A geophysical survey done by a team of researchers from the University of Manchester and remote sensing company Metatek has indicated a significant geothermal resource below the University campus in England.
The conclusion came after acquiring new land gravity measurements combined with legacy data from the 1980s. The technology is a simplified variation of the airborne technology that Metatek has been using worldwide to detect natural resources.
Dr David Johnstone, a geothermal energy specialist and Senior Geoscientist at Metatek, explained that the survey allowed the team to create a detailed 3D geological model of the subsurface layers below the campus. Based on this model, an optimal drilling location was identified that could target the high temperature zones.
Metatek is a UK-based provider of remote sensing services encompassing air, land, and sea geophysical and geological exploration activities. The company uses technology such as airborne Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (FTG) instruments to create 3D imaging of the subsurface for natural resource exploration
Further surveys and drilling recommendations
According to the results of the study, drilling at the corner of the Cecil Street Car Park, near the Contact Theatre and Manchester Academy music venue, was recommended.
Given the significance of the findings, a scaled up gravity survey has now also been proposed. This will be based on an airborne method and will the world’s most powerful subsurface gravity imager.
Conducted in the second half of 2025, the rapid survey and analysis resulted in the most detailed and accurate data on the subsurface of the city of Manchester so far.
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Source: Email correspondence
