Geothermal fluid flow modeling in Seferihisar - Balçova geothermal fields and surrounding aquifers

Seferihisar-Balçova coastal geothermal system which is located in the Western Turkey is composed of several hot springs such as Doğanbey, Tuzla, Cumalı, Karakoç and Balçova, discharging along the fault zones. The occurrence, recharging, discharging, the origins and the relationships between each of the Seferihisar and Balçova geothermal areas were investigated in a regional scale. Hydrochemical and isotopic investigations have been done for the purpose of distinguishing different water masses and investigating their origin. Obtained data from geological, hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical studies had been assessed by FeFlow that can couple fluid flow, mass and heat transfer. Numerical models of coupled fluid flow heat and salt transport (i.e. thermohaline flow) allowed gaining more insights into the physical processes of fluid migration in the study area. Salinity of these springs shows considerable variations. Seawater is the dominant end member in Doğanbey whereas spring waters in Balçova displays great thermal tracers and have low salinity values. Thermohaline numerical modeling showed that thermal convection is the main factor controling either the temperature or the salinity anomalies. Convective flows which form in the aquifer along the basement rock determine the movements of the thermal fluids and causes the seawater intrusion in some tectonic areas.