Isotopic and Geochemical Studies of Geothermal Spring s of North West Himalayas India Implication for Source and Degassing of Metaphoric CO2

Abstract

The study makes an attempt to estimate the temperatures of geothermal reservoirs that give rise to geothermal springs which could be utilized for energy exploration in future. The studied springs are mainly situated close to the major tectonic boundaries (Thrust zone) which are associated with high heat flow reasons and therefore make a potential target to be explored for geothermal energy. This goal has been achieved through detailed geochemical and stable isotopic investigations of thermal spring waters. Based on these measurements, efforts have been made to assess the annual degassing flux of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Himalayan region. Findings of this study have also been used to addresses the source and origin of these geothermal fluids in terms of magmatic vs. meteoric. Chemical compositions of these springs have been used to estimate the reservoirs temperature which may be helpful in utilizing the geothermal energy as future energy source in this region. newline