https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2024-701

Integration of geoelectrical, hydrochemical and geothermal data to identify the origin of thermal water in the foothills of the Tlemcen mountains, Northwestern Algeria

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2024)
Submitted: 11 July 2023
Accepted: 20 March 2024
Published: 28 March 2024
Geophysics, geochemistry, Miocene basin, PCA, Remchi Plain, thermal water
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Authors

Somia Yousfi
SOU.YOUSFI@gmail.com
Laboratoire n°25 «PRHPM-LE-CT», Université de Tlemcen, Algeria.
Rachid Kerzabi
Laboratoire n°25 «PRHPM-LE-CT», Université de Tlemcen, Algeria.
Jacques Mudry
Université de Franche-Comté, CNRS, Chrono-environnement, Besançon, France.
Mustapha Bensalah
Laboratoire n°25 «PRHPM-LE-CT», Université de Tlemcen, Algeria.
Abdelhamid Achachi
Agence Nationale de la Ressource Hydrique Oran, Algeria.
Bernard Collignon
Bottombillion, Avignon, France.

In previous studies, the mean geothermal gradient of the Tlemcen region has been estimated as low (3.7°C/100m). The existing boreholes in the Remchi plain (North of the Tlemcen Mountains) reveal thermal waters (26-48°C) and a remarkable artesianism. To understand the hydrodynamics and origin of thermalism of this groundwater, we merged geophysical and physical-chemical data. Geophysical data allowed us to improve the resolution of the fault network, to estimate the thickness of various sandstone beds connected with the thermal reservoir and to delimit the productive aquifer. Chemical characteristics of waters have been used for a statistical analysis, which displayed two independent water clusters resulting from two hydrodynamic patterns throughout the aquifer. The hydrothermal analysis identifies the depth reached by water and the relationship between water circulation and the fault network. Comparison with previous studies allowed us to build a schematic geological model, which explains hydrodynamics, origin and role of this structure in the groundwater flow.

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How to Cite

Yousfi, S., Kerzabi, R., Mudry, J., Bensalah, M., Achachi, A., & Collignon, B. (2024). Integration of geoelectrical, hydrochemical and geothermal data to identify the origin of thermal water in the foothills of the Tlemcen mountains, Northwestern Algeria. Acque Sotterranee - Italian Journal of Groundwater, 13(1), 109–122. https://doi.org/10.7343/as-2024-701
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