Abstract
The conceptual hydrogeological model of the Viterbo thermal area in central Italy and the yield of the groundwater sys- tem have been examined. This area is of great geothermal interest. Through new investigations, three overlapping aquifers have been found. This study examines in detail the two shallower aquifers, characterized by different hydraulic and chemical characteristics. The first aquifer is related to the regional groundwater flow of the Cimino-Vico volcanic system and is generally characterized by cold, fresh waters used for irrigation and drinking water supply. The second aquifer, i.e. the thermal aquifer, supply thermal spas and public pools; it is present where the local hydrostratigraphic, structural and geothermal conditions permit a relatively active flow of higher salinity thermal waters (40?C - 62?C). These two aquifers interact vertically and laterally, giving rise to mixed waters circulating in the first aquifer. The first aquifer is recharged by direct infiltration and inflow from regional groundwater, as well as inflow from the second aquifer. The yield of the thermal aquifer is at least 170 L/s, discharging into thermal springs and wells, besides feeding the shallow aquifer vertically and laterally. Even if a future development of the second aquifer is potentially achievable on a global scale, the exploitation of the thermal waters is strictly dependent on the specific local hydrogeological equilibrium between the overlapping aquifers, different from place to place. The case study highlights that, in the volcanic hydrogeological environment, one of the most stringent constraints in determining the correct usage of a resource is the variable level of interaction of groundwater with different qualities.
Highlights
The city of Viterbo is in the Tuscany-Latium geothermal region and is of great geothermal interest [1]
This study examines in detail the two shallower aquifers, characterized by different hydraulic and chemical characteristics
Even if a future development of the second aquifer is potentially achievable on a global scale, the exploitation of the thermal waters is strictly dependent on the specific local hydrogeological equilibrium between the overlapping aquifers, different from place to place
Summary
The city of Viterbo is in the Tuscany-Latium geothermal region and is of great geothermal interest [1]. Several thermal springs and wells are present that have water temperatures as high as 62 ̊C Some of these springs have been known for their therapeutic properties since Roman times, and wells have been drilled for geothermal exploration since the 1950s. These thermal waters are used primarily to supply thermal spas and public pools. Increases in spa tourism and the use of geothermal energy are expected in the near future This multi-purpose water demand exists for other volcanic aquifers in Italy and around the world e.g., [2,3,4,5,6,7]. These aspects are studied through new investigations using an integrated approach that combines a hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization of the complex groundwater system
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