GPR Application on Geothermal Studies: The Case Study of the Thermal Baths of San Xusto (Pontevedra, Spain)

Abstract

Geophysical studies are frequently used on the geothermal field to define and characterize deep structures. However, shallow investigations are also needed for understanding the origin and local potential structures of a promising geothermal site. In this research, it is intended to present a review of the possibilities of the application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) on the study of geothermal resources and how this geophysical technique can contribute to improving the energy use of these thermal resources. For this, the specific case of application to the investigation of the thermal baths of San Xusto (Pontevedra, Spain) is included in this work, whose interest for the region makes it necessary to perform an in-depth analysis of the original thermal structure. A GPR survey with frequency antennas of 200 and 500 MHz was conducted. Additionally, chemical analyses were performed to characterize the thermal water in the San Xusto site. As a result, a hot spring was detected by identifying reverberation phenomena in GPR imaging due to the presence of metal compounds and silica. Locating the origin of the thermal springs could allow for a more efficient use of the thermal resources as well as the hydrothermal possibilities of the area.