Contribution to the study of Greek thermal springs: hydrogeological and hydrochemical characteristics and origin of thermal waters

Abstract

A large number of chemical analyses of Greek thermal waters were evaluated in order to investigate spring water origin, water–rock interaction mechanisms, and estimate the thermal potential of the geothermal areas. Four water types were distinguished from geochemical diagrams. The relatively fresher waters include samples of Ca–HCO3 and Mg–HCO3 type waters originating from the schistose Rhodope Massif and the Quaternary basin of Aridea, respectively. Samples of the Na–HCO3 water type are typical of springs located in the post-orogenic basins of northern Greece. These hot, deep-rising Na–HCO3 waters circulate in a CO2-rich environment that favours the solubility of alkaline ions such as Na from siliceous rocks. Most of the samples belong to the Na–Cl water type and originate from Greek islands and coastal springs. These are characterized by the mixing of deep thermal solutions with seawater and fresh water. The presence of CO2 in thermal and mineral springs is due to the metamorphism of buried marine carbonate horizons while H2S is due to both local pyrite oxidation and the reduction of sulphates. The use of geothermometers suggested that the investigated geothermal areas have low enthalpy fluids at depth, while higher temperatures are likely present in Milos, Lesvos, Nisyros islands and Xanthi Basin.