Prospects in Balneology to Boost the Economy and Employment of Rural NE Iceland

Abstract

In NE Iceland there are ample geothermal resources both high temperature and low temperature geothermal fields as well as boiling low-temperature or medium enthalpy resources. It is of utmost importance not to waste the energy even where the resources are ample and cascade use of the energy is desirable. Many of the high-temperature fields in the area are now being harnessed for electricity production and balneological projects seem to be an ideal target to utilize the effluent water. High-temperature waters offer the possibility of the production of varied water types for bathing and treatment. Most of the water in the low-temperature fields in NE Iceland is fresh and not specified as any health water type. This kind of water still seems to be desirable for use in balneotheraphy. Some of the low temperature geothermal waters in the area have similar chemical characteristics as waters in renowned foreign spas. Some of those waters have already proved to be effective in the treatment of skin diseases as psoriasis and also rheumatism. Besides the geothermal water in the area there can be pointed out many other fundamental attributes in the area for the building up of spas. some of which are also based on geothermal utilization.