Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 430-431
Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects
On the other hand, the measured temperature at the thermal sources does not
usually coincide with that corresponding to the maximum depth to which they are
heated. This is because a series of processes which causing cooling. Thus, thermal
waters are classified as hypothermic (water temperature higher than 4 °C to air
temperature), Ortothermic (water temperature equal to air temperature over 4 °C)
and hypothermic (the difference of water temperature and air temperature below 4
°C).
The planning of mineral and thermal waters of Galicia is developed by a set of
management criteria. Thus, medicinal mineral waters are those that flow to the
surface naturally or artificially and its characteristics and qualities are declared of
public utility and are suitable for therapeutic treatments. There are different therapeutic
actions associated with medicinal mineral waters: chlorides (e.g., stimulate
body functions), sulfates (e.g., purging), bicarbonates (e.g:. increased pancreatic
activity), gaseous-carbonated (e.g.:. aid digestion), sulfur (e.g.: immunological
effects on the skin), ferruginous (e.g.: improve tissue trophism), radioactive (e.g.:
nervous system regulating) and mineralization below 500 mg / l (diuretic).
Conclusions
As a result of the study was able to establish a clear classification of the different
medicinal mineral waters, geographical spatial distribution in Galicia and therapeutic
use.
Keywords: Hydrogeochemistry, Mineral Water, Thermal Water, Groundwater
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