Propagation Of Hydraulic Disturbances Along Fault Systems In The Region Of Caldas Novas (Go)

Propagation of thermo-hydraulic disturbances along<br>large-scale fault systems in the region of Caldas Novas<br>(GO) has been studied using analytical and numerical<br>methods. A finite difference scheme was used<br>for two-dimensional mapping of hydraulic disturbances<br>in heterogeneous media that takes into consideration<br>channeling effects of the existing fault systems.<br>The results obtained indicate that, under favorable<br>permeability conditions, infiltration of cold surface<br>water may take place preferentially along the SE<br>– NW trending fault systems that run between the<br>area of impounded surface water and the main zone<br>of thermal springs. Estimated times for penetration of<br>the ‘cold front’ may reach values of several tens of<br>years, depending on the permeability distribution of<br>the flow paths. A major source of uncertainty in<br>model calculations arises from the limited knowledge<br>of the degree of interconnectivity of the fault systems<br>in subsurface layers. Model results indicate that the<br>presence of surface water reservoirs close to areas of<br>large-scale extraction of thermal resources may increase<br>the potential risk of infiltration and cooling.