Decoding fjord water contribution and geochemical processes in the Aysen thermal springs (Southern Patagonia, Chile)

摘要

The Aysen region, located in Southern Patagonia, Chile (43 degrees 38' S to 49 degrees 16' S) has optimum conditions for the formation of geothermal systems: Magmatic processes, abundant rainfall and active faults systems. In fact, several thermal springs emerge in coastal and inland areas of the Aysen region. Thermal springs in the coastal areas are spatially related to the Liquine-Ofqui Fault System (LOFS), a major strike-slip fault system that runs along the southern segment of the Southern Volcanic Zone, and could be controlling groundwater circulation. Despite the existence of literature regarding the composition of thermal springs, they do not elucidate the origin of thermal waters, the source of their chemical components nor have their hydrogeochemical processes been investigated. This knowledge will provide a useful tool for exploration of geothermal resources in the Aysen region.