GEOTHERMAL RANKING OF ITALIAN TERRITORY

Citation
R. Cataldi et al., GEOTHERMAL RANKING OF ITALIAN TERRITORY, Geothermics, 24(1), 1995, pp. 115-129
Citations number
42
Categorie Soggetti
Geosciences, Interdisciplinary","Energy & Fuels
Journal title
ISSN journal
03756505
Volume
24
Issue
1
Year of publication
1995
Pages
115 - 129
Database
ISI
SICI code
0375-6505(1995)24:1<115:GROIT>2.0.ZU;2-Y
Abstract
The geothermal ranking of Italian territory to 3 km depth proposed in this paper is based on qualitative assessments of: (1) the hydrogeolog ical characteristics of the different rock complexes (including litho- stratigraphic sequence and structural setting), in order to identify m ajor regional aquifers within a depth of 3 km. Clastic aquifers have n ot been considered in this study; (2) the temperature range within the regional aquifers, and the impermeable rock complexes, based on avail able temperature, heat-flow data and geodynamic and structural conditi ons. Figures 1 and 2, and Plates 1-6, illustrate the different geother mal situations in Italy in terms of geodynamic, hydrogeological and th ermal conditions to a maximum depth of 3 km. Italian territory has bee n divided into four main categories, A-D (in decreasing order of geoth ermal interest), each category being subdivided into classes, accordin g to the estimated maximum temperature. of the regional aquifer or of the impermeable formations within the reference depth, and according t o the different potential use of the geothermal resource. The geotherm al ranking of Italy shown in Plate 6 summarizes the objectives and lim its of this work, and represents a reference base for identifying the priority areas for more detailed local studies and exploratory drillin g.