Constraining Conductive Heat Flux at the Surface Using Dimensional Analysis

Abstract

Surface heat flux in non-steaming thermal areas is often dominated by conductive heat flux. Conductive heat flux is difficult to measure without thermal gradients acquired by costly drilling of gradient wells. In areas such as Yellowstone National Park where drilling is prohibited, it can be virtually impossible to measure directly. By employing techniques of dimensional analysis applied to specific boundary conditions, we have constrained the conductive heat flux in the Morning Mist Springs area of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park and show this flux to be non-negligible as compared to advective heat flux from the nearby springs.