Low Enthalpy Geothermal System at Dabeiba, Colombia; an Assessment Through the Hydrogeochemistry of Thermal Waters

Abstract

Dabeiba is a small locality situated at the northern part of the Western Cordillera of Colombia which has the presence of thermal springs with interesting geology and hydrochemistry data. Through stable isotopes a faint mixture between the geothermal waters with superficial waters was identified. The springs are sodium-chloride type slightly diluted, with high concentration of boron. Using the conservative elements allowed identifying all springs from the same reservoir and they are in partial equilibrium according to Na-K-Mg diagram. The reservoir temperature was measured with solute geothermometers selected by the suitable conditions, identifying a low enthalpy system with values of ~ 150°C. The geothermal system is associated with deeply circulating waters in a fracture zone, where the waters possibly come of releasing from meta-sedimentary rocks and apparently with a bit of magmatic input, explaining the high concentrations salt components and boron.