A BME solution of the stochastic three-dimensional Laplace equation representing a geothermal field subject to site-specific information

This work develops a model of the geothermal field in the Nea Kessani region (Greece) by means of the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method, which describes the temperature variations across space in the underground geological formations. The geothermal field is formed by a thermal reservoir consisting of arcosic sandstones. The temperature distribution vs depth was first investigated by the Greek Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (IGME) using measurements in a set of vertical drill holes. These measurements showed that hot fluids rising from the deep enter the reservoir in a restricted area of the field and flow towards local thermal springs. The field modelling, which was based on the powerful BME concept, involves the solution of a stochastic partial differential equation that assimilates important site-specific information. The stochastic three-dimensional steady-state Laplace equation was considered as general knowledge and the drilling exploration data were used to construct the specificatory knowledge base in the BME terminology. The produced map is more informative and, in general, it gives higher temperature estimates compared to previous studies of the same region. This is also in agreement with the quartz geothermometry analysis carried out by IGME.