T14. Geological, Geochemical and Petrological methods to understand the evolution of geothermal systems

Among the renewable energies, the geothermal resource plays an important role in the ongoing energy transition. However, it is important to ensure the sustainability and renewability of the resource. To do this, it is necessary to study the establishment of the geothermal system, its evolution, and the present-day situation.
A multidisciplinary approach has to be used, based on geological, geochemical, petrological and geophysical methods, including geothermal fluid analyses and water recharge studies. The evolution of ancient fluids, up to the present setting can be investigated by fluid inclusions, since they are a useful tool, representing closed systems in which part of these fluids have been trapped. Furthermore, sampling of fumaroles and thermal waters can provide information on the present situation. Finally, to better understand the circulation through the system, a detailed study of the recharge water is necessary, therefore, cold springs and meteoric waters can be sampled together with thermal ones, and an isotope hydrological approach can be applied.
This session aims to gather geological, geochemical, and petrological applications, not only limited to the afore mentioned methodologies, useful to study a geothermal system, to better understand its functioning, leading to a correct management of the geothermal resource.