A geophysical assessment of the Termas de Río Valdez geothermal area (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina)

Abstract

The Termas de Río Valdez is a low-enthalpy geothermal area located in the southernmost South America, Argentina. The area is characterized by a geologic history of changing tectonic regimes that resulted in superimposed structures. The mechanism and pathway for fluid migration of the thermal springs remains uncertain. A geophysical survey of electrical resistivity tomography profiles combined with magnetometric measurements and lineament mapping were aimed at modelling the shallow structural setting of the area. Data suggest that the springs are controlled by two systems of fractures and faults affecting the bedrock and that the rising of the thermal waters is due to transtensional structures.