Hydrogeological and geochemical assessments of the Gediz Graben geothermal areas, western Anatolia, Turkey

Gediz Graben is an important area for geothermal activity in Turkey. Menderes Massif rocks consisting of gneisses, schists, marbles and granodiorite, comprise the aquifers of the geothermal systems. Neogene terrestrial sediments made up mainly of sandy and clayey conglomerates cap the systems. Gediz Graben geothermal areas are physically divided into seven main groups: Turgutlu-Urganl, Sart-Çamur, Caferbeyli, Üfürük, Kurunlu, Kavakldere-Sazdere and Alaehir geothermal areas. The third highest aquifer in Turkey temperature (182 ^°C) after Kzldere (242 ^°C) and Germencik (232 ^°C) was discovered in the Kavakldere-Sazdere area. The thermomineral waters of the Gediz Graben geothermal areas have outlet temperatures of 25^–95 ^°C and an electrical conductivity of 874–6020 S/cm. Mineralization is mostly dominated by Na⁺ (188–2027 ppm) and HCO₃^– (544–2950 ppm). Kavakldere-Sazdere area shows the highest boron content among the entire geothermal aquifers of Turkey. Major geochemical processes for thermomineral waters are carbonate and silicate dissolution and mixing.