Geothermometry in High-Temperature Reservoirs of the Geothermal Springs in Southern Thailand: Insights from Cations and Silica Geothermometers

Abstract

Geothermal springs have provided a unique opportunity to study the geothermal system of geological processes. A reservoir temperature estimation based on the chemical geothermometers is vitally essential for assessing the exploration and development of geothermal resources. The paper represents the various techniques of geothermometers with comparisons between the silica (quartz and chalcedony) and the cation geothermometers (Na–K–Ca and K–Mg) for the high exit temperature (temp. ≥55°C) of geothermal springs in southern Thailand. The Na–K–Ca geothermometer presented more elevated reservoir temperatures than the K–Mg, silica and chalcedony geothermometers, about 20–30◦C. The preliminary assumed difference between the geothermometers may indicate that the shallow subsurface conditions are mixed with groundwater

Analysis of proposed geosites in the Betong District, Yala Province, Southern Thailand

“…This hot spring is very popular among Thai and Malaysian visitors and occurs along a N-S trending fault located at the contact between the Betong Formation (SD) and the Pa Ret Tu granite (Tg) (DMR, 2007;MT-JGSC, 2009). The surface exit temperatures of the springs here are above 80ºC; meanwhile reservoir temperature was measured by silica geothermometers showing a temperature of around 136°C at a depth of 1 km (Ngansom & Duerrast, 2019). Its flow rate is around 9 kg/s or 0.009 m 3 /s (Raksaskulwong, 2004).…”

“…Geologically, this hot spring originated from the NW-SE trending fault located at the contact between the Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the Yaha Formation (Cy) and the Triassic Chantharat granite (Tg). The hot spring temperature is approximately 40-50ºC; however, the current surface exit temperatures of the hot spring can be below 40ºC (MT-JGSC, 2009;Ngansom & Duerrast, 2019). It is a good place for swimming, or just soaking your feet, as well as for family gatherings and camping.…”