Preliminary Geochemical and Isotopic Results in Thermal and Cold Waters of Graciosa Volcanic Island (Azores)

Abstract

Graciosa Island is located in the Azores Archipelago, along the so-called Terceira Rift, NE boundary of the Azores Plateau. From the hydrochemical point of view, two types of Na-Cl groundwater systems were identified: a cold aquifer system emerging at springs and exploited through boreholes for public water supply with different degrees of mineralization, and a hydrothermal system with issuing temperatures around 45°C. Geothermometers applied to the thermal waters point to deep temperature around 167°C and to immature waters, not reaching complete equilibrium with the reservoir rock. The isotopic composition and geochemistry of the thermal waters indicate mixture groundwater - seawater in different percentages and ion-exchange mechanisms that will be able to: i) increase groundwater salinity, ii) strongly change the isotopic composition to more enriched values, with different degrees of mixing.