The publicly available Global Heat Flow Database (GHFD) is a compilation of decades worth of discrete heat flow estimates and is an invaluable asset for the exploration companies across the globe. As is the case with all compilations of physical measurements, this database requires careful QC and analysis to be correctly interpreted with the underlying uncertainties and reliability factors understood. FrOG Tech has the in-house expertise to perform the required confidence grading and maintains an up to date database for our clients.
It is out of scope of GHFD to provide readily usable and reliable heat flow maps at the exploration permit or country scale. Heatflow estimates are available only in discrete locations, with limited or non-existant information concerning the geology setting of the site.
But geology and hydrogeology do control heat flow and temperature values.
FrOG Tech's workflow takes into account all available geological data in order to fully assess heatflow values in the basement and extend the model beyond the existing measurement points.
Among others this workflow takes into acount:
- Basement composition,
- Basement age,
- Thermal anomalies such as variation of deep background heatflow due extensional events, recent tectonothermal events and volcanism.
Together with mantle heat flow, the amount of heat produced by the decay of radiogenic element is a key factor for who wants to assess surface heat flow and its relative geographic variations far from measurement points.
Temperature gradients (on DEM surface) and basement lithology composition contrast draped on the basement surface (SEEBASETM). Red = metasediments, Beige = Granite. Image Produced in Discover3D.