| Abstract: | The feasibility of using temperature measurements at a depth of about 2 m for locating and delineating salt domes and faults has been investigated both theoretically and in experimental field surveys. It is shown that measurable temperature anomalies in the soil are to be expected over shallow salt domes. In a field survey over a salt-dome area bordering the Groningen gas field, a large number of temperature measurements were made in small holes (2 m deep, 3 cm in diameter) within a relatively short time (some weeks). The results clearly indicate several temperature anomalies with differential temperatures of about 1°C. Comparison of our thermal contour map with interpretations of available seismic or gravity data, or with direct evidence from wells, showed an excellent correlation. Seismic data even support the shape of the thermal contours. Results in similar agreement with gravity or well data were obtained over salt ridges in a tropical area. Experiments showed that the technique worked as well in lakes and marshes as on dry land. In addition, some experimental evidence collected so far over shallow and surface faults is presented. In several cases, strong thermal anomalies coincided with known surface faults. A thermal model for a surface-fault zone is suggested which accounts satisfactorily for the observed thermal data. It suggests some diagnostic value for the fault's geometry. For shallow faults, however, lack of knowledge of subsurface detail prevented any unambiguous correlation with observed thermal anomalies. Accordingly any geological use of thermal analysis over shallow faults remains debatable. The field technique is simple, needs little correction and can, where useful, easily be included in routine gravity work to provide additional local information. |
