| Title | Geochemical Evolution and Isotopic Characteristics of Thermal Waters of Gujarat Region, India |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hilal Farooq Syed, Arindam Dey |
| Year | 2023 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Indian Hot Springs, Cambay Geothermal Province, Chemical Geothermometers, Reservoir Temperatures |
| Abstract | India is making a significant stride towards the development and utilization of clean energy. At present, sincere efforts are put into developing geothermal and solar energy resources across the country. The Indian state of Gujarat has a lot of geothermal potential, which is manifested in the form of a number of thermal springs distributed across the state. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the chemistry of the thermal spring water and their isotopic characteristics. For this purpose, 12 thermal water samples have been collected from the thermal springs located in five thermal clusters. Additionally, three hot groundwater samples (av. temp. 300C) and two groundwater samples (av. temp. 220C) were collected. These water samples were analyzed for various major and trace elements and also for the stable isotope ratios of oxygen and hydrogen. Thermal springs water and hot groundwater samples show different physical and chemical characteristics as compared to groundwater. The pH and the temperature of thermal spring water range from 7.1-8.5, and, 40°-73°C, respectively. The thermal water shows Na-Cl characteristics, thus indicates intense rock-water interaction and also their suitability for the application of chemical geothermometry to calculate the reservoir temperature. Chemical geothermometers indicate a reservoir temperature between 70 - 150°C. The stable isotope ratio indicates the meteoric origin of thermal spring water with varying degrees of evaporation. The area has been tectonically active in the past and is intersected by a number of deep-seated faults. The deeper circulation of meteoric water through these fractures leads to the heating up of the water. |