Characteristics of thermophysical parameters in the Wugongshan area of South China and their insights for geothermal genesis

Abstract

The Wugongshan area is rich in medium–low temperature convective geothermal resources, among which there are more than 10 geothermal fields in Wentang, Wanlongshan, Wenjia, Hongjiang, etc. There are few basic geothermal geological studies in the geothermal fields and their peripheral areas; thus far, no systematic research work into the thermophysical parameters has been carried out. In this paper, 85 rock samples were collected from the surface and boreholes covering the strata and magmatic rocks in the study area. The results show that the average radioheat generation rate, the average thermal conductivity, and the average specific heat are 0.24–5.49 (μW/m3), 1.995–4.390 (W/mK), and 1.318–4.829 (MJ/m3K), respectively. The average thermal diffusivity ranges from 1.115 to 1.611 × 10-6 m2/s. The highest radioheat generation rate is Jurassic granite, and the lowest is quartz vein. The largest thermal conductivity and specific heat is the siliceous quartzite, and the smallest is the quartz vein. The highest thermal diffusivity is Cambrian metamorphic mica schist, and the lowest is siliceous quartzite. The radioactive heat generation rate, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity are closely related to the chemical composition, mineral composition, rock fabric, porosity, water content, and temperature and pressure conditions of rocks in the whole area. There is a linear relationship between thermal conductivity (K) and thermal diffusivity (κ), and the correlation equation is K = −0.3144k + 3.2172. Combined with the characteristics of thermophysical parameters, the genetic theory of deep crust heat generation + structural heat accumulation + siliceous quartzite heat conduction + granite heat preservation is preliminarily proposed.

Geothermal Spatial Potential and Distribution Assessment Using a Hierarchical Structure Model Combining GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geophysical Techniques—A Case Study of Dali’s Eryuan Area

“…A strong correlation exists between lithology and geothermal resources [38], as rocks of diverse lithologies exhibit distinctive traits like porosity, permeability, and thermal conductivity. These traits exert an influence on the conveyance and retention of geothermal energy [39]. Hence, a thorough examination and comprehension of lithology bear immense significance in the advancement and utilization of geothermal energy.…”

Application of the Data-Driven Method and Hydrochemistry Analysis to Predict Groundwater Level Change Induced by the Mining Activities: A Case Study of Yili Coalfield in Xinjiang, Norwest China

“…Traditionally, the physical-based model provides the feasible way to predict the variation in groundwater level, which need stratigraphic structures, aquifer parameters, and boundary conditions. However, due to the heterogeneity and anisotropy of aquifer properties, it is difficult to obtain these hydrogeological parameters accurately [14,15]. Nowadays, the data-driven method provides an efficient way to build hydrological models and improve the accuracy of model prediction [16,17].…”