Terrestrial heat flow distribution pattern and its implication for geological processes in Sichuan basin

Abstract

Terrestrial heat flow(THF) has been considered as a significant parameter reflecting internal information of earth, which can imply further meanings about subsurface tectonic and geophysical processes in the planet. Sichuan basin is a craton with thick sedimentary strata varying from continental to marine facies with a crystalline basement. This paper collects 147 THF values from hydrocarbon well steady temperature logging and previous publications for Sichuan Basin, which almost cover all tectonic units in the basin. Subsurface characteristics for structure and material &energy movement can be macroscopically demonstrated by the THF distribution pattern. In addition, statistical distribution diagrams of these THF data are calculated to further compare with other basins in China. Tectonic and deposition behaviors of basin are further discussed in the point of geothermal view.