geothermal

Geothermal springs occur throughout the world and South Africa (SA) is endowed with several springs of this nature. Siloam and Tshipise are among the known scalding geothermal springs found in Limpopo Province. The optimal use of a geothermal spring is largely dependent upon its physical and chemical characteristics. Hence, there is need to understand the chemical processes controlling the springs. Hydrochemical characteristics of Siloam and Tshipise geothermal springs were undertaken for a period of six months May – December 2014.

Limpopo Province is one of the wealthiest areas of South Africa with respect to geothermal spring occurrences, which were classified according to the residing mountains: Soutpansberg, Waterberg and Drakensberg. Mphephu, Sagole, Siloam and Tshipise geothermal springs fall within the Soutpansberg. This study is aimed at understanding the origin and age, geochemical processes controlling the water chemistry. Analyses of major ion hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes (?18O, ?2H and ?3H) were undertaken, which is supported by conventional hydrogeological information.