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Fracture influence on thermal water circulation in foredeep basin: preliminary data from the southern Marche foothills, Italy
No full textAlthough the Adriatic side of Italy shows a low heat flow, due to a fast recent sedimentary deposition and meteoric water infiltration, that depresses the geothermal gradient (Della Vedova et al., 2001), some interesting areas are present along this side, and one of these is Acquasanta thermal area (Central Italy, Fig. 1). Here, thermal springs rise along the Tronto river valley and their temperatures range between 27° and 44°C (Galdenzi et al., 2010). Because the geothermal energy is one of the most promising resources for the forthcoming future, with low environmental impact and excellent sustainability, also from an economic point of view, it is important to perform geological and geochemical preliminary studies to evaluate the potential and sustainability of area such as Acquasanta for the development of the geothermal resource for low and medium enthalpy plants. In this frame, a quantitative structural analysis (i.e. Dezayes et al., 2010, Agosta et al., 2010) is important for the identification of preferential infiltration or rising paths of fluids and to assess the reservoir and the cap rock characteristics. In addition, chemical and isotopic analysis of water are important to define the origin and types of water (i.e. Minissale et al., 2002; Armannsson and Fridriksson, 2009) and its deep circulation. Finally, hydrogeological studies are useful to reconstruct a correct water balance.
The aim of our work concern a possible modelling of water circulation at depth, in order to evaluate the geothermal potential in this part of the foredeep basin and its relations to important structural elements.
So our preliminary studies regard water chemical and stable isotopes analyses (Fusari et al., 2013) and qualitative and semi-quantitative fracture analyses finalized to understand the hydrogeological pattern and the hot waters ascent path, and to produce a model of the possible thermal reservoir
Geothermal potential of Marche region: Acquasanta thermal area
No full textThe Adriatic area has relatively normal continental lithospheric thickness (about 70-90 km), thick and deformed foredeep sequences and low heat flow, also caused by a fast recent sedimentary deposition [1]. In this framework, many thermal areas are present, and one of these is Acquasanta Terme, located in the southern part of Marche region (Central Italy). This area is characterized by a major asymmetric anticlinal structure, trending about N 170°, about 25 km-long, and plunging both to the north and to the south. Along this structure, the upper part of the Umbria – Marche calcareous sequence crops out within the Laga Basin deposits, just in front of the Sibillini Thrust [2]. The general aim of this study is to investigate the hydrogeological pattern and the hot waters ascent path, and to estimate the maximum temperature, the geothermal features and the possible sustainable exploitation of the area. Preliminary studies to achieve this aim include structural analyses, water chemical analyses of major and secondary elements, and quantification of water stable isotopes of oxygen and deuterium. First structural data allowed to distinguish the major fracture sets related to the complex structural history of the area. This pattern allowed a preliminary outline of the possible preferential directions of groundwater flow. Isotopic data obtained so far seem to show a common origin for surface and deep waters, probably with the same infiltration area, but with two different paths, a shallow and a deep one. Chemical data of cold and thermal waters outline variations in temperatures, pH, conductivity and concentrations, revealing a possible mixing between the two circuits. On the basis of correlation straight lines, we can estimate the altitude of water infiltration at approximately 1500 m s. l. m.. This is compatible with well defined recharge areas. Additional chemical and isotopic data will provide certainties about the degree of mixing and water paths at depth
Tectonic influence on hydrothermal fluid flow in the Laga foredeep Basin (Marche, Italy)
No full textThe Adriatic area has relatively normal continental lithospheric thickness (about 70-90 km), thick and deformed foredeep sequences and low heat flow, also related to fast recent sedimentary deposition. In this framework, many thermal areas are present, and one of these is Acquasanta Terme, located in the southern part of Marche region (Central Italy).
This area lies in the northern sector of the Laga Basin, the largest foredeep basin within the Central Apennines fold and thrust belt. Presently, the Acquasanta region is characterized by a major asymmetrical anticlinal structure, trending N170°, about 25 km-long, and plunging both to the north and to the south. Along this structure, the upper part of the Umbria – Marche calcareous sequence emerges within the Laga Basin, just in front of the Sibillini Thrust. Along the Tronto River valley, many thermal springs are present with a maximum temperature of about 44°C.
The aim of this study is to explain which type of physical mechanisms can create geothermal system in foredeep areas. Present studies to achieve this aim include structural analyses, water chemical analyses of major and secondary elements, and quantification of water stable isotopes of oxygen and deuterium.
First structural data allow us to distinguish the major fracture sets, belonging to compressive and extensional events, related to the complex structural history characterizing the area. This pattern allowed an outline of preferential directions of groundwater flow, generally NNW – SSE and E – W oriented. Furthermore an important detachment level in the Oligocene Scaglia Cinerea Formation can be identified, with thermal water springs in correspondence with this level, suggesting that this can be considered as the seal rock for the reservoir, consisting of the underlying calcareous formations. Many faults are also present in the area, N – S and ESE – WNW oriented. These faults represent the preferential ascent path for deep hot waters and on the other hand facilitate the mixing of superficial waters with the thermal ones.
Stable isotopic data of oxygen and deuterium from cold (i.e. -9.82; -64.0) and thermal (i.e. -10.1; -69.0) waters and their variations in time show a common origin for surface and deep waters, probably with the same infiltration area, but with two different paths, a shallow and a deep one. On the basis of meteoric water lines, we can estimate an altitude of water infiltration at approximately 1500 m a. s. l.. This is compatible with well defined recharge areas. Tritium and 13C isotopic data also provide residence time at depth.
Chemical data from samples of thermal waters collected every three months outline a chloride-sulphate composition, rich in Na, K, Ca and Mg, and containing H2S. Furthermore, anomalous enrichment in Lithium, Strontium, Fluorine and Boron is present. Variations in temperatures, pH, conductivity and concentrations in time reveal a mixing between the two circuits. Additional data on chemistry and isotopes (Sr, S) also provide certainties about the degree of mixing and water paths at depth.
Finally, we are performing a climatic and hydrogeological monitoring for the evaluation of circulating water amount in the reservoir and better define the geothermal system in foredeep basin
Innovative applications of geothermal energy for direct uses: a pilot study case in Marche region (Italy)
No full textA detailed investigation aimed to optimize the knowledge about the realization of low enthalpy geothermal plants, answering to the energy related challenges proposed by Horizon 2020 and trying to move toward a better integration between research and industry, is currently in progress in the Marche Region (Central Italy). The main goals of this project are: i) to improve the present-day knowledge about the heat transfer coming from two geothermal boreholes 100 m in depth and with a distance of 9 m from each other, in order to better understand the behaviour of a geothermal probes in a particular geological, hydrogeological and structural context; ii) to control the behaviour of two commercial grouts and to study the thermo-physical and mineralogical properties of new grouts performing laboratory tests and monitoring; iii) to test a new hybrid geothermal/micro-cogeneration system for the heating of the buildings. As part of the project, an experimental plant is in progress at the University of Camerino (Geology Division). An interdisciplinary research team as well as private companies and University spin off, are engaged for the project development
Preliminary insights from the Acquasanta thermal area (Marche, Italy)
No full textAcquasanta Terme is a thermal area located in the southern part of Marche region (Central Italy), within a positive structure in the footwall of the main Central Apennine thrust front. Our preliminary studies on structural analyses, water chemical analyses of major and minor elements, and quantification of water stable isotopes of oxygen and deuterium allowed to: i) distinguish the major fracture sets and the possible reservoir and seal formations; ii) establish a water infiltration altitude; iii) suggest water circulation paths
Innovative application of a micro-CHP with geothermal energy and both electrical and thermal storages: a pilot study case in Marche region (Italy).
No full textInnovative application of a micro-CHP with geothermal energy and both electrical and thermal storages: a pilot study case in Marche region (Italy).
(MATREND project – FAR 2014-15 P.I. Invernizzi)
Calabrò S., Chicco J., Culmone R., Fusari A., Gunnella R., Invernizzi C., Pacetti C.
School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino
The use of Earth’s underground is a key factor in the effort to provide economic and safe solutions for the future energy supply. In addition to supply heating and cooling requests and hot water demand both for private and public buildings, energy consumption has started decreasing in the last decade in order to satisfy the European targets proposed by Kyoto Protocol “20-20-20”. The exploitation of geothermal resources using Ground Source Heat Pumps proved to be an optimal choice.
However, for each Ground Source Heat Pump a considerable amount of electricity is needed during the entire year. In Italy, more than 50% of electricity requests are supplied by fossil fuels’ consumptions. Thus the crux of this innovative application is in the selection of a micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power) i.e. a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, as a continuous electricity provider, that, despite it uses natural gas, is able to save more than 30% of fossil fuel consumption each year. This innovative heating and cooling system is made up of an electrical energy storage and both a latent (filled with PCM, Phase Change Materials) and a sensible heat storages.
This experimental project, adopting a multidisciplinary investigation, is already in place at the Geology Division of the School of Science and Technology of University of Camerino. The main objectives of this research project are:
- to optimize the knowledge about low enthalpy geothermal plants, focusing on heat transfer enhancement tested in two experimental geothermal boreholes;
- to test commercial and new grouting materials, in particular thermal properties, used to sustain wall boreholes as well as to evaluate the temperature of the underground;
- to monitor heating and cooling system performances month by month and to analyze greenhouse gases emissions reduction and operating costs and so economic advantages.
The realization of the experimental plant involved several steps: i) general knowledge of geological conditions; ii) drilling of geothermal boreholes; iii) in situ measures of the underground thermal properties; iv) laboratory investigations of thermo-physical properties and mineralogical determinations both of drilled lithologies and grouts (commercial and innovative); v) construction of an innovative hybrid geothermal-micro-CHP heating and cooling system for department building; vi) monitoring of both PCM performances and this system’s adaptability in a real environment; vii) measurement of both environmental and economic advantages
Geothermal Potential of Marche Region
No full textThe awareness of the global community about problem of unsustainability and high environmental impact (for example CO2 emissions) in the use of non-renewable energy resources (e.g., oil, coal) has led to recent global challenges concerning renewable resources. Geothermal energy is one of the most promising future resources, due to its low environmental impact and its excellent sustainability. For example, current total geothermoelectric energy and energy of all the direct uses and heat pumps! produced in the world can save about 226 million barrels of oil per year and avoid the emission of tens of millions of tons of CO2 in the atrnosphere''. In particular, central-southern Italy, for its geological features, is full of interesting regions, such as the area of Colli Albani and volcanic lakes in Lazio, Campi Flegrei in Campania, or the thermal source of Acquasanta Terme in the Marche region. Current research involves an evaluation of the geothermal potential of Marche region, through the identification of structures that can transport deep, higher temperature fluids to the near-surface environment. We are currently studying 3 areas where geologic structures (mainly fault/fracture zones) allow transport of high temperature fluids to near-surface environments. Of major interest are areas near Acquasanta Terrne", Fermo and Ancona. Initial studies involve available seismic lines and well stratigraphy", temperature measurements concerning depth, water circulation patterns (mainly flux measurements), and estimations of degrees of mixing between deeper, hotter waters and more shallow aquifers. After this first evaluation, we will focus our attention on one or two of these areas, starting studying stable isotopes and trace elements in the circulating waters, fluid inclusions, porosity and permeability of the reservoir, fracture analysis and hydrogeology. We expect to find fluids at intermediate temperatures (medium enthalpy), whose exploitation could be extremely important for the creation of district-heating plants which will increase life conditions of towns in that areas
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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