Types of geothermal curves and their interpretation

On the basis of an analysis of thermometric data from deep drill holes in Western Kazakhstan, characteristics of types of thermal curves (linear, convex, concave, etc.) are recognized from the nature of the change in the geothermal gradient. Angles of slope of the clusters of the thermal curves and their position on the graph are determined by the degree of the principal regions of supply and the heat flow from depth, the geologic construction, the lithologic-facies composition of the rocks, the hydrogeologic conditions, etc. Graphs of the clusters of thermal curves enable us to provide a comparative estimate of the effect of these factors OQ the geothermal regime of Individual sectors of the region, and to trace the change in depth of occurrence of the isothermal surfaces as well as the distribution of temperatures in various depth intervals. —Author.