Two new monitoring stations for the continuous recording and real-time transmission of geothermal field and thermal mineral spring fluid parameters have been installed on the island of Nisyros.
A team from the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.), consisting of G. Vougioukalakis, H. Koutsogiannis, and Ch. Mylonas, installed the two stations between July 3 and July 10, 2020 — one at the Loutra Mandrakiou thermal spa facilities and the other at the bottom of the Stefanos hydrothermal crater.
The first station records and transmits the temperature of the thermal water and the water level of the borehole located next to the historic Loutra spa complex, while the second station records and transmits the maximum temperature of the crater’s steam vents, as well as the temperature at three points along a 60-meter transect on the crater floor, aiming to detect any variations in the thermal state of the area.
This initiative was implemented under the subproject “Actions for the Rational and Sustainable Utilization of Geothermal Energy – GEOTHERM” of the project “Studies and Research to Support the Energy Sector of Industry and Entrepreneurship – OPYGEC”, executed by the Department of Geothermal and Thermal Mineral Resources of the H.S.G.M.E. One of the project’s main components, “Long-Term Monitoring of Thermal Mineral Springs and Geothermal Fields of Greece”, aims to provide essential data for the optimal use and sustainable management of these natural resources by enterprises operating in the sector.
The expected outcomes of this initiative include the sustainable management of geothermal fields, the development of a nationwide monitoring network for active geothermal systems to ensure their rational use, and the collection, processing, and evaluation of primary data to support informed decision-making for the long-term stewardship of these valuable natural assets.
