Thermo-mineral waters of Hammam Meskoutine (north-east Algeria): Composition and origin of mineralization

Abstract

The extreme north-eastern Algeria, in particular the Guelma city conceals thermal springs, whose waters circulating at great depths allow the rain-waters to warm up (according to the average geothermal gradient of 1°C per 33 m) and to acquire a mineralization which depends on the traversed rock. The goal of this research work was to determine mineralization origin of the thermo-mineral waters of Hammam Meskoutine (Algerian N-E). A hydro-chemical study involved analyses of a number of physical and chemical parameters of waters such as: temperature, hydrogen potential, electrolytical conductivity, Cl-, SO4 2-, HCO3 -, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+. The data processing on the diagram revealed two dominating chemical facies: sulphate-magnesium and bicarbonate magnesium. With a high conductivity in excess of 2300 μS·cm-1, the temperature reaches 97°C. Calculation of the saturation index shows that the waters are supersaturated in carbonate minerals (calcite, dolomite and aragonite) and less saturated with evaporite minerals (halite, anhydrite, sylvite and gypsum). The reconstitution in dissolved salts reveals a dominant salt rich in calcium bicarbonates, in calcium sulphates and secondarily in magnesium salts. Geological sections used in the study zone affirm that the chemical composition of the spring waters comes from the neritic limestone dissolution and the gypso-saline complex of Hammam Meskoutine.

Regional Hydro-Chemistry of Hydrothermal Springs in Northeastern Algeria, Case of Guelma, Souk Ahras, Tebessa and Khenchela Regions

“…The Guelma basin contains marls and carbonates deposited from east to west during the Mio-Pliocene, before the accumulation of Quaternary sediments [43]. It is bordered to the north and south by reliefs mainly in the Tellian domain (Meso-Cenozoic marls and carbonates [44]). The Souk Ahras region belongs to the Tellian domain made up of Secondaire-Tertiaire marl-limestone rocks and secondarily limestone rocks [45].…”

Application of geothermometric and hydrochemical methods to the investigation of thermal water of sources in the Northeastern of Algeria case of Setif city

“…The objectives of this study are as follows: to get greater knowledge of the chemistry of water and how it interacts with host rock; to determine the reservoir's temperature (in depth) using various geothermometers; and, ultimately, to identify the source of thermal waters [1].…”

“…main hypotheses:(1) the existence of two deep reservoirs, one in the West (Jurassic limestone) and the other in the Eastern Part (terrigenous salt formation), and (2) the middle (Hot Spring of Boutara) as the second point of contact between the Basement and water…”