Thermal Discharges at Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Based on major ion chemistry, the thermal discharges at Manikaran can be classified as Na- HCO3 - Cl type. Salinity of the thermal discharges indicates mixing between saline and fresh water components. The source of the saline component (Cl) is probably ancient formation waters trapped in the geological formations, or magmatic or hydrothermal fluids. Considering the topography of the area, it is quite likely that the thermal discharges at Manikaran are not local but that of Puga Geothermal System, but there is no concluding evidence about it. Cations and silica geothermometers give reservoir temperatures between 150 and 250?C. The reservoir temperature obtained using the values of the cold water fractions from the mixing model varies from 190 to 210?C, with an average value of 202?C. Considering high temperature of the geothermal system, excellent prospects exist for the utilization of thermal discharges for power generation and direct uses, which are at present are being used for therapeutic and recreation purposes.