Main Controlling Factors of Regional High Geothermal Anomaly

Abstract

Finding the anomaly of high temperature is the key to the geothermal exploration. In this paper, the various factors that influence the temperature are analyzed. Taking the distribution of geothermal field in Cangxian uplift as case study example, forward modeling is conducted. It is found that the lateral heterogeneity of materials caused by tectonic movement is one of the main controlling factors of the regional geothermal field. Based on this observation, a “sweet spot model” for causing high abnormal temperature (geothermal anomaly) is proposed. It is pointed out that any anomalous heat source in the long history of geological evolution may not be sufficient to support the local or partial abnormal high temperature. The magmatic activity, radioactive heat generation and fault on the rock temperature may not be the only controlling factors. The temperature in the paleo-uplift area is characteristic of "mirrored reflection" in vertical direction in some cases.