Geochemical Data Interpretation of Thermal Springs in Colombia

Abstract

A preliminary geochemical data interpretation of Azufral, Paipa and the N-NE area of Cundinamarca Province (Republic of Colombia) geothermal systems, is presented. The Paipa geothermal area is very dry and strong evaporation process for samples has been recognized. Thermal waters from Paipa were classified as sodium-sulphate type waters with pH between 6 and 7.4 and a reservoir temperature of 175?C was estimated. Isotopic results for Paipa relate the samples to primary magmatic waters. Samples from Azufral are classified as sodium chloride and magnesium chloride type waters with pH between 6.2 and 6.7, and isotopic results relate them to andesitic waters. The reservoir temperature was estimated around 220?C. The N-NE area of Cundinamarca Province is characterized by thermal springs emerging from sedimentary rocks, which are related to three types of water: Sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate, with pH between 6.6 and 8.1. The reservoir temperature varies from low to moderate (140?C). Most of the samples from Cundinamarca Province show high content of meteoric waters.