Heat refraction and heat production in and around granite plutons in north-east England

Summary. Existing surface heat flow determinations in north-east England indicate a difference in thermal structure between the Alston block of the North Pennines and the coastal regions. New heat flow determinations in the Askrigg block and on the coast support the original indications of higher heat flow in the positive blocks, which are underlain by 400 Myr old granites, than in their marginal sedimentary troughs along the present coastline. Although the two blocks are geophysically and geologically similar, surface heat flow in the Alston block is 30mW m^-2 higher than it is in the Askrigg block 50km to its south. Heat flow refraction around high conductivity plutons with high heat production may significantly affect the interpretation of heat flow measurements made on a regional scale but in the present case its effect, if any, is to emphasize the heat flow difference between the two otherwise similar blocks. The chemical differences between the Wensleydale and the Weardale granites – cupolas of the granites underlying the Askrigg and Alston may be representative of the granites as a whole and the blocks respectively – difference in surface heat flows may result from a contrast in radiogenic heat production between the two granites extending to mid-crustal depths.     

The thermal evolution of lithosphere extending on a low-angle detachment zone

Abstract Expressions are obtained for temperature as a function of depth, and for surface elevation and surface heat flow using a simplified model to represent lithosphere extending on a low-angle detachment surface. The geometry of the resulting basin is determined by the dip of the detachment surface φ and the original thickness of the crust, h. For small extension the width of the basin is h /tan φ and with increasing extension the width of the basin cannot exceed 2 h /tan φ before sea-floor spreading begins. The asymmetry of heat flow and subsidence profiles across the basin is described and the predictions of the model are compared with those of the model for uniform extension by pure shear. The amplitude of thermal subsidence for the detachment-zone model is typically half as great as for the pure-shear model with the same extension factor. As the total subsidence is the same for each model the initial subsidence is correspondingly greater for the detachment-zone model. The time-integrated anomalous heat flow in the detachment-zone model is also approximately half that in the pure-shear model.     

The inverse problem for heat flow data in the presence of thermal conductivity variations

Summary. We demonstrate a method of performing linear programming optimizations of functionals of subsurface temperature, when thermal conductivity is a known piecewise-constant function. Data comprise heat flow measurements on the flat isothermal surface of this structure, within which heat transfer is by steady-state conduction. Two-dimensionality is assumed. The approach involves establishing constraints which demand the continuity of temperature and the normal component of heat flow across all internal boundaries. These unknown functions are expanded as truncated Fourier series whose coefficients become unknowns of the linear programming solution vector; linear relations are established between these coefficients which guarantee harmonicity of temperature in each region of uniform conductivity, as well as the continuity requirements. Variations of the formalism are detailed for three simple types of geometry. As an example the method is applied to a heat flow data set from Sass, Killeen & Mustonen over the Quirke Lake Syncline of Ontario, Canada.     

Effect of the Cretaceous Serra Geral igneous event on the temperatures and heat flow of the Parana Basin, southern Brazil

We investigate the effects of the cooling of intrusive and extrusive igneous bodies on the temperature history and surface heat flow of the Parana Basin. The Serra Geral igneous event (130–135 Ma) covered most of this basin with flood basalts. Associated with this event numerous sills and dykes intruded the sediments and basement, and extensive underplating may have occurred in the lower crust and upper mantle beneath the basin. We develop an analytical model of the conductive cooling of tabular intrusive bodies and use it to calculate temperatures within the sediments as a function of time since emplacement. Depending on the thickness of these igneous bodies and the timing of sequential emplacement, the thermal history of a given locus in the basin can range from a simple extended period of higher temperatures to multiple episodes of peak temperatures separated by cooling intervals. The cooling of surface flood basalts, sills and dykes is capable of maintaining temperatures abovc the normal geothermal gradient temperatures for a few hundred thousand years, while large-scale underplating may influence temperatures for up to 10 million years. We conclude that any residual heat from the cooling of the Serra Geral igneous rocks has long since decayed to insignificant values and that present-day temperatures and heat flow are not affected. However, the burial of the sediments beneath the thick basalt cap caused a permanent temperature increase of up to 50°C in the underlying sediments since the beginning of the Cretaceous.     

Effect of the Cretaceous Serra Geral igneous event on the temperatures and heat flow of the Paraná Basin, southern Brazil

We investigate the effects of the cooling of intrusive and extrusive igneous bodies on the temperature history and surface heat flow of the Paraná Basin. The Serra Geral igneous event (130–135 Ma) covered most of this basin with flood basalts. Associated with this event numerous sills and dykes intruded the sediments and basement, and extensive underplating may have occurred in the lower crust and upper mantle beneath the basin. We develop an analytical model of the conductive cooling of tabular intrusive bodies and use it to calculate temperatures within the sediments as a function of time since emplacement. Depending on the thickness of these igneous bodies and the timing of sequential emplacement, the thermal history of a given locus in the basin can range from a simple extended period of higher temperatures to multiple episodes of peak temperatures separated by cooling intervals. The cooling of surface flood basalts, sills and dykes is capable of maintaining temperatures above the normal geothermal gradient temperatures for a few hundred thousand years, while large-scale underplating may influence temperatures for up to 10 million years. We conclude that any residual heat from the cooling of the Serra Geral igneous rocks has long since decayed to insignificant values and that present-day temperatures and heat flow are not affected. However, the burial of the sediments beneath the thick basalt cap caused a permanent temperature increase of up to 50°C in the underlying sediments since the beginning of the Cretaceous.     

Speculations on the Thermal and Tectonic History of the Earth

Summary. The connection between the Earth's thermal history and convection in the mantle is exploited to elucidate the early evolution of the Earth. It appears probable that convection extending over almost all of the mantle has dominated vertical heat transport throughout the whole of the Earth's history. Only in boundary layers at the surface and at a depth of 650–700 km is conduction likely to be important. The resulting evolution appears to be consistent with geological observations on early Precambrian rocks.
Various arguments are put forward in favour of two horizontal scales of convective flow in the mantle at depths less than 650 km. The large scale flow is related to the motion of major plates, and must be ordered over distances of more than 5000 km. Its evolution and energetics are discussed and there are no obvious problems in maintaining the proposed convective motions. Small scale flow with an extent of the order of 500 km appears necessary both to explain the heat flow through older parts of the Earth's surface and to reconcile the geophysical observations with the results of numerical experiments. Though the existence of the small scale flow is at present speculative, various tests of its presence are proposed.     

Comparison of theoretical and observed temperature profiles in Devon Island ice cap, Canada

Summary. A non-steady-state theoretical model is used to predict the present variation of temperature with depth in two boreholes in the Devon Island ice cap, Arctic Canada. The boreholes are 300 m apart and one of them reaches bedrock. The heat transfer equation is solved numerically with the record of past temperatures obtained from measurements of the variations of oxygen—isotope ratio with depth in the cores as surface boundary condition. The effects of ice advection, refreezing of meltwater percolating from the surface (the amount of which is recorded in the cores), heating due to firn compaction and ice deformation, and heat flow in the bedrock below the ice sheet are all included in the model. The free parameters are geothermal heat flux, present surface temperature and heat loss at the surface which depends on the depth of meltwater penetration and other factors. Agreement between observed and predicted temperature—depth profiles is very close. Latent heat released by percolating meltwater is the predominating factor in determining the temperature distribution in the upper half of each borehole. The temperature distribution is insensitive to the value of the factor used to convert oxygen—isotope ratio to temperature.     

Erosion and the age dependence of continental heat flow

Summary. Erosion of continental crust has two effects on surface heat flow: a decrease due to the removal of heat-producing elements, and an increase due to the movement of hot rock towards the surface. In an orogenic belt, where erosion may remove tens of kilometres of material, these effects are important over time-spans comparable with the life of the belt as an elevated region.
An expression is derived which relates surface heat flow to time, heat flow through the deep lithosphere, the distribution of heat sources and the amount and time constant of erosion. The variability of crustal processes permits wide ranges of values for these parameters and geologically reasonable parametral combinations can readily be found which satisfy the surface heat flow observations. These combinations can account for the long time-scale of surface heat flow decay, and the influence of erosion on 'reduced' heat flow has important consequences. This approach predicts a relationship between reduced heat flow and age which is close to that observed, and a linear relation between surface heat flow and reduced heat flow similar to that reported by Pollack & Chapman. The intercept on q ₀– A ₀ plots (the reduced heat flow) has a physical meaning which changes with time and should not be interpreted as, for example, the heat flux across the Moho.
We conclude that an important part of the observed variation of surface heat flow with age may be explained by the effects of erosion and the variability of crustal processes. In its range of greatest variation surface heat flow mainly reflects these crustal processes and should not be used to infer directly the thermal development of the subcrustal lithosphere.     

Thermal properties of sediments in southern Israel: a comprehensive data set for heat flow and geothermal energy studies

To decipher the thermal structure of the sedimentary veneer in southern Israel, new values of thermal conductivity and porosity as well as of the radiogenic heat budget are provided. Thermal conductivity is measured for lithotypes and scaled up for geological formations. The new data are higher than most of the previously measured values, in particular for sandstones and siltstones, whose mean values are 5.0 and 2.9 W m^?1 K^?1. Mean values of the most abundant lithotypes, which are dolomites and limestones, are on the order of 4.1 and 2.7 W m^?1 K^?1, respectively. The total radiogenic heat production of the sedimentary cover varies slightly over southern Israel, due to variable lithology and total sediment thickness, yielding a maximum heat flow on the order of 4 mW m^?2 where the sedimentary section is thickest (ca. 7 km). A temperature prognosis was made by calculating temperature profiles to the top of the crystalline basement at five well locations applying the new thermal‐conductivity data set and three scenarios of surface heat flow (50, 55 and 60 mW m^?2). The calculated temperatures best match with measured drillstem‐test temperatures by using heat‐flow values close to the upper bound of range. Surface heat flow on the order of 55–60 mW m^?2 is supported by a reevaluation of an existing temperature log and the application of thermal conductivity from this study. The temperature prediction for southern Israel shows values of 100–120°C at 3500–4500 m depth, indicating a geothermal potential that can be used for heating as well as electricity production.     

Convergent flow of ice within the Astrolabe subglacial basin, Trre Adélie, East Antarctica: an hypothesis derived from nummerical modelling experiments

The existence of a large subglacial lake beneath the antarctic Ice Sheet at Terre Adélie indicates the presence of basal ice at its pressure-melting temperature. A numerical model of the ice-sheet thermal regime is employed using the balance velocity of the ice sheet as an initial model input in order to calculate ice-sheet basal temperatures. However, the results from this model show the Terre Adélie area to be characterised by basal freezing. Heat in addition to that accounted for in the model is thus required at the ice-sheet base in order for pressure melting temperatures to be attained. The sources for such heat are (1) an enhanced geothermal heat flux and (2) an increase in frictional heating caused by the flow of ice. In this paper the latter possibility is expanded by hypothesising that subglacial topography induces convergent ice flow around Terre Adélie, causing enhanced basal ice velocities. Model experiments indicate that an increase in ice velocity (from 7 to at least 42 m yr⁻¹) is required to raise the temperature of the basal ice to the pressure melting value. Increased ice velocity, and consequent frictional heat production due to convergent ice flow, may therefore be important in explaining the location of the subglacial lake in this region. These results allow the process of convergent ice flow within a contemporary ice sheet to be quantified. A verification (or otherwise) of the model results may be possible if ice surface velocity measurements from modem GPS methods are made.     

Convective and conductive heat transfer in sedimentary basins

In the Earth's crust the temperature is largely controlled by heat conduction. However, under some circumstances, the thermal state is disturbed by advection of heat associated with groundwater flow. The corresponding thermal disturbance depends on the water flow velocity (modulus and direction) and therefore thermal data may be used to constrain the pattern of natural fluid flow. In this paper, some models of thermal disturbance induced by convective heat transfer are presented. They are based on the assumption that the water flow is concentrated in thin permeable structures such as aquifer or fault zones. The steady-state and transient thermal effects associated with such scenarios are computed using a somewhat idealized model which depends on a small number of parameters: flow rate, time, aquifer geometry and thermal parameters of surrounding rocks. In order to extract the conductive and convective components of heat transfer from temperature data and to estimate the corresponding fluid flow rate, it is first necessary to estimate the thermal conductivity field. The problem of the estimation of thermal conductivity in clay-rich rocks, based on laboratory and in-situ measurements, is emphasized. Then a method is proposed for the inversion of temperature data in terms of fluid flow. Vertical and lateral variations of thermal conductivity are taken into account and the fluid flow is assumed to be concentrated on a specified surface (2-D quasi-horizontal pattern). Thermal effects of the flow are simulated by a distribution of surface heat production which can be calculated and then inverted in terms of horizontal fluid flow pattern.     

Migration pathways in the Central North Slope foreland basin, Alaska USA: solute and thermal constraints on fluid flow simulations

The North Slope foreland basin, Alaska, USA is an east–west asymmetrical trough‐shaped basin adjacent to the Brooks Range fold‐thrust mountain belt. Lower Cretaceous age rocks make up much of the sediment fill, including flysch‐like marine turbidites and shales of the Torok and Fortress Mountain formations and marine and sandstones, shales and conglomerates of the overlying Nanushuk group. Lower Cretaceous age rocks were deposited on top of a Palaeozoic and Mesozoic age passive margin sequence. We have conducted numerical simulations of fluid flow driven by topographic recharge in the Central North Slope foreland basin. These simulations are constrained by salinity estimates from well logs, location of oil and gas fields, vitrinite reflectance and heat flow measurements. Our model results indicate that there are two south to north pathways for fluid migration. The primary pathway for fluid movement is downward through the Fortress Mountain formation, then upwards along the interface between the Fortress Mountain and Torok Formation and finally northward through the permeable Nanushuk group. A smaller mass of groundwater moves along sands below the Torok formation and into offshore sediments north of Alaska. Very little meteoric water enters the underlying Palaeozoic rocks in our simulations, which could explain the presence of deep saline pore waters. Our results also show that permafrost is a primary control on the pathway and rate of fluid flow by controlling the distribution of surface recharge and discharge. For example, areas of high heat flow and low saline waters along the arctic coast may represent upward groundwater discharge because of the absence of permafrost. As surface temperatures were warmer in the Miocene, the absence of permafrost would produce a more local fluid circulation pattern and less transfer of heat energy from south to north.     

基于数字高程模型自动提取水系的若干问题

在分析对比基于数字高程模型(DEM)自动提取水系算法的基础上,针对地表径流模型数据预处理中存在的问题,提出了相应的解决方案。该方案根据现实可得DEM数据的精度,指出DEM中“数字负地形”来自真实的地形和伪地形;伪凹陷来自数据单元的低估或高估;伪平原区的流向是一种汇聚模式的流向。通过对ARC／INFO的样本数据进行实验,该方案有效解决了数据预处理中存在的问题。     

Thermal state of the Roer Valley Graben,part of the European Cenozoic Rift System

We performed a detailed analysis of the thermal state of the Cenozoic Roer Valley Graben, the north–western branch of the European Cenozoic Rift System, based on a new set of temperature data. We developed a numerical technique for correcting bottom hole temperatures, including an evaluation of the uncertainty of thermal parameters. Comparison with drill stem test temperatures indicated that the uncertainty in corrected bottom hole temperatures using a two‐component numerical model is approximately ± 4 °C, which is much more accurate than the up to 15 °C errors encountered in often‐used line‐source or Horner correction methods. The subsurface temperatures and the derived regional heat flow estimates of 53 ± 6 to 63 ± 6 mW m^?2 show no significant difference between the central rift and the adjacent structural highs. The absence of an elevated heat flow is attributed to the low amount of lithospheric thinning during the Cenozoic rifting phase (β=1.06–1.15). A local thermal anomaly exceeding +10 °C was found in five wells in the north–western part of the rift basin at depths of 1000–1500 m, and is most likely caused by the upward flow of fluids along faults, whereas lower temperatures in the upper 1500 m in the southern part of the rift basin could indicate cooling by topography‐driven groundwater flow. Conflicting ideas exist on the active or passive rifting mechanisms responsible for the formation of the different rift basins of European Cenozoic Rift System. The low spatial variation in heat flow found in this study suggests that the mechanism responsible for forming the Roer Valley Graben is passive rifting.     

TERRESTRIAL HEAT FLOW IN THE SWISS ALPS

i
Terrestrial heat flow has been measured in three Alpine railroad tunnels. The geothermal gradients were calculated from temperatures measured during the construction of the tunnels, and corrections for topographic irregularities were made. The thermal conductivity of 113 rock specimens from the vicinity of the tunnels was measured. The heat flow in the Gotthard tunnel was found to be 1.6 10^-6 cal/cm² sec, in the Simplon 2.2 10^-6 cal/cm² sec, and in the Loetschberg 1.9 10^-6 cal/cm² sec. Most of the flux at the surface can be attributed to radioactive decay in a thickened crust, but a non-uniform distribution of radioactive elements may be required to explain the relatively high heat flow in the Simplon and Loetschberg tunnels.     

CANYON GEOMETRY,THE URBAN FABRIC AND NOCTURNAL COOLING: A SIMULATION APPROACH

A simulation model for surface cooling in urban street canyons under calm conditions is described, based upon a simplified energy budget for the canyon facets containing only the net longwave and substrate heat flux densities. The former term is evaluated from the canyon radiation budget model of Arnfield (1976), the latter by numerically approximating the Fourier heat conduction equation. Equilibrium temperatures evolve through the nocturnal period for specified canyon and incoming longwave irradiance characteristics. Numerical experiments conducted with the model show that canyon geometry alone exerts a significant effect on cooling rates and, hence, on heat island intensity. Construction materials and internal building climate control tend to enhance spatial variations in nocturnal temperatures. The effects of wall thickness, sky radiance distribution and cloud cover also are investigated. Results show qualitative and quantitative correspondences with previous field and scale-model studies. Sources of error and desirable model refinements are discussed. [Key words: urban climatology, heat island, heat flux, nocturnal cooling, simulation model.]     

Heat Flow and Geothermal Potential in the South-Central United States

Geothermal exploration is typically limited to high-grade hydrothermal reservoirs that are usually found in the western United States, yet large areas with subsurface temperatures above 150°C at economic drilling depths can be found east of the Rocky Mountains. The object of this paper is to present new heat flow data and to evaluate the geothermal potential of Texas and adjacent areas. The new data show that, west of the Ouachita Thrust Belt, the heat flow values are lower than east of the fault zone. Basement heat flow values for the Palo Duro and Fort Worth Basins are below 50 mW/m² while, in the frontal zone of the belt, they can exceed 60 mW/m². Further east, along the Balcones fault system the heat flow is in general higher than 55 mW/m². The eastern most heat flow sites are in Louisiana and they show very high heat flow (over 80 mW/m²), which is associated with the apparently highly radioactive basement of the Sabine uplift. The geothermal resource in this area is large and diverse, and can be divided in high grade (temperature above 150°C) convective systems, conductive based enhanced geothermal systems and geothermal/geopressured systems. One of the most attractive areas east of the cordillera extends from eastern Texas across Louisiana and Arkansas to western Mississippi. Here temperatures reach exploitation range at depths below 4 km, and tapping such a resource from shut in hydrocarbon fields is relatively easy. The initial costs of the development can be greatly reduced if existing hydrocarbon infrastructure is used, and therefore using shut-in hydrocarbon fields for geothermal purposes should not be neglected.     

东莞市城市热环境时空变化及其驱动机制

东莞市处于快速城市化进程中,基于19902005年Landsat TM/ETM＋反演地表温度,对地表温度数据进行归一化处理,分析东莞市热环境格局的时空变化特征,并引入建筑密度和交通干道对区域热环境格局的形成机制进行分析。研究表明：东莞市在近15年间城市热环境格局发生重大变化,随着城市建设用地的扩张,热岛由起初的分散点状...     

干旱区地表温度和热岛效应演变研究——以宁夏沿黄城市带为例

宁夏沿黄城市带位于宁夏东北部，不仅是干旱地区地理研究的重点区域，也是宁夏经济发展的核心区域。基于2000—2018年的MODIS地表温度、土地覆盖类型以及植被覆盖率数据，通过计算热岛比例指数 (URI)，利用Mann-Kendall非参数检验及Sen’s斜率估计法，对宁夏沿黄城市带近20 a白天和夜间的地表温度（LST）和热岛效应时间变化进行分析。结果表明：（1） 近20 a来，宁夏沿黄城市带大部分地区[WTBX]LST变化不显著，但在植被覆盖率增加区域，白天LST显著减小而夜间LST显著上升；植被覆盖率减小区域与之相反；夜间LST[WTBZ]变化幅度强于白天。（2） 宁夏沿黄城市带的热岛效应通常在白天较弱、在夜间较强；白天和夜间时刻的城市热岛效应在一年内呈现不同的季节变化特点,白天春冬较强，夜间夏季较强；过去近20 a，宁夏沿黄城市带白天热岛效应呈现稍微减弱趋势，夜间热岛效应呈现稍微增强趋势，但变化趋势均不显著。（3） 从植被覆盖率和地物类型两个影响因素的研究表明，植被覆盖率是影响地表温度变化的重要因素，城建区与郊区主要地物温差的改变是城市热岛强度变化的重要原因。从长时间序列变化的角度详细分析干旱区城市热岛的特征和变化原因，可为干旱区城市热岛带来的环境问题治理提供参考，也为研究干旱区热岛提供了借鉴。     

Insulating effect of coals and organic rich shales: implications for topography-driven fluid flow, heat transport, and genesis of ore deposits in the Arkoma Basin and Ozark Plateau

ABSTRACT Sedimentary rocks rich in organic matter, such as coal and carbonaceous shales, are characterized by remarkably low thermal conductivities in the range of 0.2–1.0 W m^?1 °C^?1, lower by a factor of 2 or more than other common rock types. As a result of this natural insulating effect, temperature gradients in organic rich, fine‐grained sediments may become elevated even with a typical continental basal heat flow of 60 mW m^?2. Underlying rocks will attain higher temperatures and higher thermal maturities than would otherwise occur. A two‐dimensional finite element model of fluid flow and heat transport has been used to study the insulating effect of low thermal conductivity carbonaceous sediments in an uplifted foreland basin. Topography‐driven recharge is assumed to be the major driving force for regional groundwater flow. Our model section cuts through the Arkoma Basin to Ozark Plateau and terminates near the Missouri River, west of St. Louis. Fluid inclusions, organic maturation, and fission track evidence show that large areas of upper Cambrian rocks in southern Missouri have experienced high temperatures (100–140 °C) at shallow depths (< 1.5 km). Low thermal conductivity sediments, such as coal and organic rich mudstone were deposited over the Arkoma Basin and Ozark Plateau, as well as most of the mid‐continent of North America, during the Late Palaeozoic. Much of these Late Palaeozoic sediments were subsequently removed by erosion. Our model results are consistent with high temperatures (100–130 °C) in the groundwater discharge region at shallow depths (< 1.5 km) even with a typical continental basal heat flow of 60 mW m^?2. Higher heat energy retention in basin sediments and underlying basement rocks prior to basin‐scale fluid flow and higher rates of advective heat transport along basal aquifers owing to lower fluid viscosity (more efficient heat transport) contribute to higher temperatures in the discharge region. Thermal insulation by organic rich sediments which traps heat transported by upward fluid advection is the dominant mechanism for elevated temperatures in the discharge region. This suggests localized formation of ore deposits within a basin‐scale fluid flow system may be caused by the juxtaposition of upward fluid discharge with overlying areas of insulating organic rich sediments. The additional temperature increment contributed to underlying rocks by this insulating effect may help to explain anomalous thermal maturity of the Arkoma Basin and Ozark Plateau, reducing the need to call upon excessive burial or high basal heat flow (80–100 mW m^?2) in the past. After subsequent uplift and erosion remove the insulating carbonaceous layer, the model slowly returns to a normal geothermal gradient of about 30 °C km^?1.