Abstract
The southeast coastal areas of China have abundant geothermal resources. Most especially, seawater-recharged geothermal systems in the coastal areas have large quantiles of recharge but suffer water salinization and low water temperature. Moreover, the geothermal water development in these areas may induce seawater intrusion. Understanding the genetic patterns of geothermal resources is significant for rational exploration and protection. This study analyzed the hydrochemical and environmental isotopic characteristics of geothermal water, groundwater, and surface water samples collected in the area with geothermal resources in Xiamen Province in the southeast coastal areas of China. Based on this, the recharge of geothermal water circulation and the genetic patterns of geothermal resources were revealed. The results of this study indicate that the geothermal water in mountainous areas and piedmonts in Xiamen is mainly recharged by rainfall infiltration. In contrast, the geothermal water in coastal areas in Xiamen is recharged by seawater mixing to different extents, as indicated by hydrochemical types, isotopic characteristics, and the C1-/Br- ratio of geothermal water. As revealed by the calculation results using the Cl−mixing model, 10 of 13 geothermal fields in Xiamen are recharged by seawater mixing, with a mixing ratio of up to 73.20% in the Pubian geothermal field. After being recharged by rainfall in the low mountainous areas, geothermal water migrates toward deep parts along NW-trending faults. Then, it converges with regional NE-trending deep faults to absorb heat conducted from deep parts to form deep geothermal reservoirs. The deep geothermal reservoirs were estimated to be 185–225°C using the silica-enthalpy mixing model. The geothermal water is mixed with cold water or seawater while rising along faults. The temperature of shallow geothermal reservoirs was estimated to be 71–145°C using SiO2geothermometers.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
