Understanding Risks and Uncertainties in Geothermal Modelling: Constraining Thermal Conductivity Models
- Key words
- Geothermal modelling, conductivity, heat-flow
- Location
- Bass Basin, Australia; Vulcan Sub-Basin, Australia; Perth Basin, Australia
- Conference
- Australian Geothermal Energy Conference
- Year
- 2009
- Language
- English
Full text
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Abstract
Prediction of the rate at which temperature increases with depth in a sediment pile is an important tool in the evaluation of many geothermal prospects. Such prediction is typically carried out by geothermal modelling based on assumptions that can be made with regard to the interplay of heat-flow and lithological conductivity, from which estimates of geothermal gradient, and therefore absolute temperature, can be derived. Approaches to such modelling work may differ widely, with a correspondingly wide range of outcomes, bringing into question the reliability of geothermal modelling as a predictive tool.
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