Hydrogeochemistry and Related Processes Controlling the Formation of the Chemical Composition of Thermal Water in Podhale Trough, Poland

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Geothermal Waters from Mesozoic Formations in the Basement of the Central Part of the Carpathian Foredeep and the Carpathians (Poland) Using Multivariate Statistical Methods

The subject of this study is the chemical composition of potentially geothermal waters of the Mesozoic basement of the central part of the Carpathian Foredeep and the Outer Carpathians regions. The research objectives were: (1) to identify statistically significant differences between the chemical composition of waters from the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic aquifers, and between the waters of both regions; and (2) the discovery of zones indicating active water exchange—attractive due to the operational efficiency of wells. Knowledge of the chemical composition of water allows for the preliminary identification of areas of interest for the exploitation of water for recreational, healing, and heating purposes. The research methods used were: (1) statistical tests and (2) methods of multivariate data analysis, such as the Kruskal–Wallis test and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The performed tests and statistical analyses allowed us to draw conclusions about significant differences between the chemical composition of waters from the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic aquifers, and the basement of the Carpathian Foredeep and the Outer Carpathians. They indicated the existence of a zone with symptoms of active water exchange. Before establishing the fact of active exchange of waters in this zone, further research should be undertaken.