BIBLIOS

Tipo
Artigos em Conferência

Tipo de Documento
Resumo Extendido

Título
Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources in Azores Islands (Portugal): A Summary

Participantes na publicação
J.C. Nunes (Author)
Instituto Dom Luiz (IDL), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749–016, Lisboa, Portugal
H. Sá (Author)
M.R. Carvalho (Author)
Dep. Geologia
IDL

Resumo
The Azores Archipelago, located in the North Atlantic, consists of nine volcanic islands situated at the junction of the North American, Eurasian, and African plates. This geotectonic setting results in significant seismic and volcanic activity, including secondary volcanism such as fumarole fields and thermal springs. The archipelago contains 27 main volcanic systems and 1,750 monogenetic volcanoes, including basaltic scoria cones, trachytic domes, and eruptive fissures.\nThe intense volcanic activity supports the presence of high-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs on islands like São Miguel, Terceira, and Graciosa, where geothermal fields such as Ribeira Grande and Pico Alto are currently being explored. Additionally, 48 low-enthalpy geothermal manifestations (22-98 °C) have been identified, mainly in the Furnas Volcano. The thermal waters result from interaction with volcanic gases and exhibit varied compositions, including sulfurous and bicarbonate waters.\nCurrently, the Azores have only two low-enthalpy geothermal utilizations in hotel infrastructures, but an expansion of these resources is expected for balneological projects. The sustainable development of this renewable energy source can boost the local economy and attract investments, ensuring environmental and social benefits.\n


Evento
1st GEO-RIN Conference, Geothermal Research and Innovation Network for Portugal and Spain, 2-6 June

Identificadores da Publicação

Local
Benasque, Spain

Organizadores
Geothermal Research and Innovation Network for Portugal and Spain


Keywords
Low-enthalpy geothermal resources volcanic hydrothermal systems balneology Azores.