Geological Framework of the Tatra Mountains- Podhale Geothermal System (Carpathians)

Abstract

The Podhale (Western Carpathians) region lying between the Tatra Mts. and the Pieniny Klippen Belt is known as an area rich in thermal water exploited for heating purposes as well as recreation (swimming pools). The thermal springs at the foot of the Tatra Mts. (Jaszczurowka, Oravice) are the surhce manifestations of an active geothermal system. Numerous drilling data have c o h e d the existence of low-enthalpy geothermal reservoir under the entire Podhale basin. The thermal waters are associated with carbonates of highly fractured Nummulite Eocene and with Mesozoic rocks (carbonates of Middle Triassic, sandstones of Lower Jurassic).Two geothermal doublets were completed for themal water exploitation in the northern part of Podhale basin where thermal waters of 80-90?C occur at the depth -2000-3000m.