Lyell Collection
Geological Society, London, Special Publications
Lyell Centre  |   Lyell Collection  |   Subscriptions   |   Geological Society  |   Email alerts  |   Online bookshop  |   Help

Keywords:
Author:
Advanced search>>
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow References
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Jessop, A. M.
Right arrow Articles by Majorowicz, J. A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
GeoRef
Right arrow GeoRef Citation
Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1994; v. 78; p. 43-54;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1994.078.01.05
© 1994 Geological Society of London

Large-Scale Fluid Flow

Fluid flow and heat transfer in sedimentary basins

Alan M. Jessop1 & Jacek A. Majorowicz2

1 , 333 Silver Ridge Crescent NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 3T6 Canada
2 , 105 Carlson Close, Edmonton, Alberta, T6R 2J8 Canada

One of the major assumptions underlying the science of geothermics over the last 100 years has been that heat is transported through the Earth’s crust only by conduction, except in the immediate vicinity of active volcanoes. In old shields this assumption may be justifiable, but in sedimentary basins the ability of water to move through permeable aquifers provides a means of heat transport that may under certain conditions be as effective as conduction.

The thermal history of a basin depends on its tectonic origin and the circumstances of its development. The dissipation of excess heat associated with basin formation and the transfer of the continuous heat supply from the basement depend on the thermal properties of the strata and their water content. In some basins widespread contrasts of heat flow are observed, both laterally and vertically, suggesting forced convection by water migration. In basins where part of the surface is above sea-level a hydrological drive may be inferred from the topographic surface. In sub-sea basins this drive is not available in the same form. Nevertheless, patterns of heat-flow variation have been observed for which some form of water flow seems to be the most probable explanation.

A complete quantitative description of the present thermal state has not yet been developed for any basin. Some two-dimensional numerical models have been developed, but, since flow directions may vary between aquifers, three-dimensional models must be the ultimate objective. There is scope to extend such models to the geological past by using palaeotemperature indicators such as vitrinite reflectance and fission-track measurements. So far we have been able to establish only an understanding of the principles and processes that control the thermal state of basins, so that detailed description of small parts or two-dimensional models may be developed.





This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
D. V. Corcoran and G. Clayton
Interpretation of vitrinite reflectance profiles in sedimentary basins, onshore and offshore Ireland
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2001; 188: 61 - 90.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
C. G. Fleming, G. D. Couples, and R. S. Haszeldine
Thermal effects of fluid flow in steep fault zones
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 1998; 147: 217 - 229.
[Abstract] [PDF]