Geothermal Energy Prospectivity of the Torrens Hinge Zone: Evidence from New Heat Flow Data
- Key words
- Australia, Heat Flow, Thermal Gradient, Thermal Conductivity, Torrens Hinge Zone, Adelaide Geosyncline, Delamerian Fold Belt, Gawler Craton, Curnamona Craton, Engineered Geothermal Systems, Geothermal Exploration
- Location
- Torrens Hinge Zone, Australia
- Conference
- Australian Geothermal Energy Conference
- Year
- 2009
- Language
- English
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Abstract
The Torrens Hinge Zone is a long but narrow (up to 40 km wide) geological transition zone between the relatively stable Eastern Gawler Craton 'Olympic Domain' to the west and the sedimentary basin know as the Adelaide Geosyncline to the east. It was hypothesized from first principles that the Torrens Hinge Zone shoul dbe prospective for high geothermal gradients due to the likely presence of high heat flow and insulating cover rocks. A method to thest this hypothesis was devised, which involved the measurement of heat flow on a pattern grid using purpose drilled wells, precision temperature logging and detailed thermal conductivity measurements.
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