New thermometric data from shallow aquifers in Santorini: Possibilities for geothermal exploitation

Abstract

The geothermal exploration in Santorini island (Greece), conducted by IGME in the mid ‘80s, identified a low enthalpy geothermal system in the southern part of the island (Megalochori-Emporio area). The geothermal reservoir was found at a depth of around 300m with temperatures up to 65°C. Medium-enthalpy fluids most probably exist in south Santorini, at a depth of less than 1000 m, whereas higher temperatures could obviously be found inside the caldera. During the years 2014-2015, a new geothermal project was carried out in Santorini, financed by the Municipality of Thera, aiming at evaluating the geothermal resources of the island with a particular emphasis on the shallow ones, recommending the most appropriate ways to use the confirmed geothermal potential, as well as suggesting further research/development activities. The detailed and extensive field work included temperature and electrical conductivity measurements in the relatively shallow aquifers around the island (in 141 wells), selective sampling, and chemical analyses. The thermometric research revealed a very interesting zone of geothermal anomaly in the central part of Santorini, with temperatures exceeding 26-27°C at very shallow (40-190m) depths. The proposed applications (heating/cooling, desalination, bathing, agricultural drying etc.) are considered suitable to the unique character of the place, with emphasis to the touristic and rural activities in the island.