Geology and geochemistry of geothermal water in Northwestern Algeria, Bouhanifia Area

Abstract

The present study indicated the hydrodynamics and the characteristics geothermal systems of Bouhanifia and Saida by means of hydrochemistry and isotopic data collected from different springs. Because of the lack of data (relying only on regional studies), our work defined the local geology and hydrogeochemistry behavior, following a small scale of investigation. These hot springs were produced by the ascent of thermal water in quaternary age faults marked by the Travertine formations created by the discharge of this groundwater. The geostatistical techniques used to characterize the geochemistry assert that the main contributors of mineralization are Na+, Cl-, Ca2+, and HCO3-, confirming various origins of the chemical elements, from the carbonate formations and interaction with saline shallower water shown through the excess of Na+ and Cl-. The isotopic results confirm the low enthalpy of geothermal water and refute a magmatic origin from calc-alkaline volcanism activity during the Neogene.