ISOCHEM

GEOTHERMAL AT THE FOOT OF THE BAVARIAN ALPS

Geothermal heat is the heat source beneath our feet and geothermal power is generated by extracting that heat from the deep subsurface. To effectively use this energy, we must have a detailed understanding of the underlying geology and the groundwater flow system. Environmental isotopes and pore-water chemistry help us understand complex groundwater systems with karstic features, fractures and a porous rock-matrix.

In a previous project we have already started to establish a data base focusing on environmental isotopes and water chemistry to improve our understanding of the reservoir characteristics of the Malm aquifer (Upper Jura) in the Bavarian Molasse Basin. In a recently approved project (IsoChem) from the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection and Bavarian Environment Agency, scientists from the Chair of Hydrogeology will extend this data set with additional environmental isotope measurements such as noble gases (Ar, Kr) and stable water isotopes, allowing us to identify where the water comes from. The link with water chemistry data and noble gas measurements on pore water originating from rock-core samples from around 3000 m depth will support the understanding of the effect of rock-matrix diffusion processes on fracture flow.