Unravelling the characteristics of a low-enthalpy geothermal reservoir is of significant importance for optimizing the production of these sustainable energy sources. This paper employs a multidisciplinary approach to precisely explore a reservoir in northeastern Tunisia. Utilizing diverse data sets, the established conceptual model highlights the geometry of deep sedimentary series, emphasizing notable lineaments that serve as preferential axes for groundwater circulation. Groundwater chemistry is regulated by processes such as evaporation and the dissolution of evaporate minerals. Reverse ion exchange has been identified for the springs and well W2, and normal ion exchange is observed for other wells. Isotopic analyses confirm the meteoric origin of thermal water. According to diagrams from the Institut International des Recherches Géothermiques and Giggenbach, the groundwater is derived from deep circulation in sandstone levels and it is located in an immature water field, not in equilibrium with the reservoir rocks. Geothermometric results indicate groundwater temperatures ranging from 75 to 97°C for springs and from 38 to 90°C for wells. This comprehensive exploration provides a thorough knowledge of the northeastern geothermal reservoir, establishing the framework for educated decision-making and responsible use of the region's geothermal resources.
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Research Article|
April 22, 2025
An integrated approach toward exploring a low-enthalpy northeastern Tunisian geothermal reservoir
Nesrine Ghouili;
Nesrine Ghouili
*
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
*
Correspondence: [email protected]
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Faten Jarraya-Horriche;
Faten Jarraya-Horriche
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
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Sana Ayari;
Sana Ayari
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
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Fatma Ben Brahim;
Fatma Ben Brahim
2
Department of Earth Sciences
, Faculty of Sciences of Gabes
, University of Gabes
, Gabes, Tunisia
3
Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E)
, National School of the Engineers
, Sfax, Tunisia
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Rim Trabelsi;
Rim Trabelsi
4
Laboratory of Radio-Analyses and Environment (LRAE)
, National School of Engineers of Sfax
, University of Sfax
, BP1173
, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
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Sihem Benabdallah;
Sihem Benabdallah
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
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Hakim Gabtni
Hakim Gabtni
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
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Nesrine Ghouili
*
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
Faten Jarraya-Horriche
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
Sana Ayari
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
Fatma Ben Brahim
2
Department of Earth Sciences
, Faculty of Sciences of Gabes
, University of Gabes
, Gabes, Tunisia
3
Water, Energy and Environment Laboratory (LR3E)
, National School of the Engineers
, Sfax, Tunisia
Rim Trabelsi
4
Laboratory of Radio-Analyses and Environment (LRAE)
, National School of Engineers of Sfax
, University of Sfax
, BP1173
, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
Sihem Benabdallah
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
Hakim Gabtni
1
Centre for Water Research and Technologies
, Geo-resources Laboratory
, BP 273
, Soliman, Tunisia
*
Correspondence: [email protected]
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Received:
07 Feb 2024
Revision Received:
13 Feb 2025
Accepted:
15 Feb 2025
First Online:
13 Mar 2025
Online ISSN: 2041-4803
Print ISSN: 1470-9236
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by The Geological Society of London. All rights, including for text and data mining (TDM), artificial intelligence (AI) training, and similar technologies, are reserved. For permissions: https://www.lyellcollection.org/publishing-hub/permissions-policy. Publishing disclaimer: https://www.lyellcollection.org/publishing-hub/publishing-ethics
© 2025 The Author(s)
Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology (2025) 58 (2): qjegh2024-028.
Article history
Received:
07 Feb 2024
Revision Received:
13 Feb 2025
Accepted:
15 Feb 2025
First Online:
13 Mar 2025
Citation
Nesrine Ghouili, Faten Jarraya-Horriche, Sana Ayari, Fatma Ben Brahim, Rim Trabelsi, Sihem Benabdallah, Hakim Gabtni; An integrated approach toward exploring a low-enthalpy northeastern Tunisian geothermal reservoir. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 2025;; 58 (2): qjegh2024–028. doi: https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2024-028
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