Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model
Abstract The comprehension of geothermal systems involves the efficient integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical tools that are crucial in unraveling the distinct features inherent in geothermal reservoirs. We provide a first approach to comprehending the geologically complex geotherma...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Geothermal Energy |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-024-00327-0 |
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| author | Esteban Gómez-Díaz Andrea Balza Morales Peter A. Kukla Maren Brehme |
| author_facet | Esteban Gómez-Díaz Andrea Balza Morales Peter A. Kukla Maren Brehme |
| author_sort | Esteban Gómez-Díaz |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The comprehension of geothermal systems involves the efficient integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical tools that are crucial in unraveling the distinct features inherent in geothermal reservoirs. We provide a first approach to comprehending the geologically complex geothermal system in the Aachen area, which has been known for its natural thermal spring occurrences since Roman times. Through a comprehensive analysis involving geochemical interpretation of water samples, a review of 2D seismic profiles, stress analysis, and surface geology, a dynamic model has been built, which serves as a conceptual framework providing a clearer understanding of the system. The model characterizes a non-magmatic, detachment fault-controlled convective thermal system, wherein the reservoir exhibits mixed properties of the mainly Devonian carbonate rocks. NW–SE directed fault lines play a pivotal role in fluid transport, enabling the ascent of thermal waters without the need for additional energy. We additionally conducted magnetotelluric (MT) surveys and analyzed apparent resistivity and impedance values obtained through forward modeling, along with an assessment of noise levels. These findings contribute to evaluating the potential use of MT methods in further evaluating the study area and for geothermal energy exploration in general. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0385f1792a5144ad8516bd1bfc192910 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2195-9706 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Geothermal Energy |
| spelling | doaj-art-0385f1792a5144ad8516bd1bfc1929102025-01-19T12:16:59ZengSpringerOpenGeothermal Energy2195-97062025-01-0113113410.1186/s40517-024-00327-0Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual modelEsteban Gómez-Díaz0Andrea Balza Morales1Peter A. Kukla2Maren Brehme3Geological Institute, Energy and Minerals Resources Group, RWTH Aachen UniversityGeophysical Imaging and Monitoring, RWTH Aachen UniversityGeological Institute, Energy and Minerals Resources Group, RWTH Aachen UniversityGeothermal Energy and Geofluids Group, Department of Earth Sciences, ETH ZurichAbstract The comprehension of geothermal systems involves the efficient integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical tools that are crucial in unraveling the distinct features inherent in geothermal reservoirs. We provide a first approach to comprehending the geologically complex geothermal system in the Aachen area, which has been known for its natural thermal spring occurrences since Roman times. Through a comprehensive analysis involving geochemical interpretation of water samples, a review of 2D seismic profiles, stress analysis, and surface geology, a dynamic model has been built, which serves as a conceptual framework providing a clearer understanding of the system. The model characterizes a non-magmatic, detachment fault-controlled convective thermal system, wherein the reservoir exhibits mixed properties of the mainly Devonian carbonate rocks. NW–SE directed fault lines play a pivotal role in fluid transport, enabling the ascent of thermal waters without the need for additional energy. We additionally conducted magnetotelluric (MT) surveys and analyzed apparent resistivity and impedance values obtained through forward modeling, along with an assessment of noise levels. These findings contribute to evaluating the potential use of MT methods in further evaluating the study area and for geothermal energy exploration in general.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-024-00327-0Geothermal explorationHydrochemical analysisStress analysisMagnetotelluricDynamic modelGeological conceptual model |
| spellingShingle | Esteban Gómez-Díaz Andrea Balza Morales Peter A. Kukla Maren Brehme Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model Geothermal Energy Geothermal exploration Hydrochemical analysis Stress analysis Magnetotelluric Dynamic model Geological conceptual model |
| title | Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model |
| title_full | Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model |
| title_fullStr | Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model |
| title_full_unstemmed | Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model |
| title_short | Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model |
| title_sort | integrative analysis of the aachen geothermal system germany with an interdisciplinary conceptual model |
| topic | Geothermal exploration Hydrochemical analysis Stress analysis Magnetotelluric Dynamic model Geological conceptual model |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-024-00327-0 |
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