Hydrogeological studies in the São Torcato Zone -Tabuaço with aim of optimizing the location of a special groundwater abstraction to plan a new Medical Spa in Portugal

Abstract

Abstract The present work presents a case study, to evaluate the possibility that in an area of the territory of the interior of Portugal, there is potential for capturing special groundwater that allows its classification as natural mineral water for thermalism. In this sense, after an initial part, with the framing of the theme and the presentation of the work methodology, the geomorphological and geological elements are shown, giving more development to the hydrogeological aspects, highlighting the results of the monthly sequential hydrological balance, namely its annual surplus, crossing it with the groundwater sampling sites, and still, the existing aquifer systems and the characteristics of their waters are identified. As a main result, the conceptual geohydraulic model of the region is presented, to show that in the São Torcato zone, and particularly in the Qta do Plácido zone, there is the possibility of exploiting groundwater in an aquifer system of granitic rocks, from fissural type, which is supplied from relatively distant areas, in hydrographical basins other than São Torcato basin, provided relatively deep boreholes are to be drilled. Finally, the main conclusions are synthesized, pointing out the most favorable area to carry out groundwater abstraction with the potential to have stability and quality suitable for a medical spa. It should be noted that these elements are only previous studies, which should be considered as initial contributions, and that further work should be carried out in the future, including geophysical studies and mechanical drilling, flow tests, as well as, among others, isotopic studies in the waters of the region to assess the recharge areas and available reserves.