Identification of Thermal Anomalies in the Carbonate Aquifer of the Lower Andarax (SE Spain) by Means of Temperature Cross-Sections

Abstract

A significant thermal anomaly exists in the aquifer of the Lower Andarax (Almería, SE Spain), which is evidenced by the presence of several thermal springs as well as by elevated water temperatures (30–52 °C) recorded at various wells. Twelve vertical temperature logs were made to analyse these anomalies, and these yielded two-dimensional information about changes in temperature through the saturated zone. By studying these logs and drawing a series of cross-sections of temperature along the edge of the Sierra of Gádor, the variability of the thermal anomalies in the Carbonate Aquifer of the Lower Andarax is demonstrated. Variations in the morphology of the temperature logs exhibit well the variability in the thermal anomalies of the groundwaters of the Lower Andarax and their relationship with the geology and tectonics of the area. The most significant thermal anomalies occur in the zone of convergence of greatest neotectonic and seismic activity.