Near-surface Geothermal Gradient Observation and Geothermal Analyses in the Xianshuihe Fault Zone,Eastern Tibetan Plateau

The Xianshuihe fault（XSHF） zone, characterized by intense tectonic activity, is located at the southwest boundary of the Bayan Har block, where several major earthquakes have occurred, including the 2008 Wenchuan and the 2013 Lushan earthquakes. This study analysed underground temperature sequence data for four years at seven measuring points at different depths（maximum depth： 18.9 m） in the southeastern section of the XSHF zone. High-frequency atmospheric noise was removed from the temperature sequences to obtain relatively stable temperature fields and heat fluxes near the measurement points. Our measurements show that the surrounding bedrock at（the seven stations distributed in the fault zone） had heat flux values range from-41.0 to 206 m W/m^2, with a median value of 54.3 m W/m^2. The results indicate a low heat flux in the northern section of DaofuKangting and a relatively high heat flux in the southern section of Kangting, which is consistent with the temperature distributions of the hot springs near the fault. Furthermore, our results suggest that the heat transfer in this field results primarily from stable underground heat conduction. In addition, the underground hydrothermal activity is also an obvious factor controlling the geothermal gradient.

Geothermal Gradient and Heat Flow in the Nigeria Sector of the Chad Basin, Nigeria

Information on geothermal gradient and heat flow within the subsurface is critical in the quest for geothermal energy exploration. In a bid to ascertain the thermal potential of Nigeria sector of the Chad Basin for energy generation, subsurface temperature information from 19 oil wells, 24 water boreholes drilled to depths beyond 100 metres and atmospheric temperature from the Chad basin were utilized in calculating geothermal gradient of the area. Selected ditch cuttings from the wells were subjected to thermal conductivity test using Thermal Conductivity Scanner (TCS) at the Polish Geological Institute Laboratory in Warsaw. The terrestrial heat flow was calculated according to the Fourier’s law as a simple product of the geothermal gradient and the mean thermal conductivity. Results obtained indicated geothermal gradient range of 2.81 °C/100 m to 5.88 °C/100 m with an average of 3.71 °C/100 m. The thermal conductivity values from the different representative samples range from 0.58 W/m*K to 4.207 W/m*K with an average of 1.626 W/m*K. The work presented a heat flow value ranging from 45 mW/m2 to about 90 mW/m2 in the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin.

Global distribution of geothermal gradients in sedimentary basins

The heat budget of sedimentary basins is determined by heat transfer across the lithosphereasthenosphere boundary and lithospheric heat sources,such that the tectonic evolution of their host continental and oceanic lithosphere ultimately impact the present-day heat flow and average geothermal gradients.Recent increase in availability of publicly-accessible geothermal gradient measurements across the world provides an opportunity to globally assess the dominant controls on the thermal regime of sedimentary basins.Thus,we compile a global dataset of152,000 unique data points with constrained bottomhole temperature measurements and assess the relationships between geothermal gradient and selected independent tectonic variables,including crustal and lithospheric thicknesses,crustal age,sediment thickness,and basin type.The results show that in both oceanic and continental settings,geothermal gradients exhibit a non-linear,systematic variation with the tectonic variables.We find that oceanic geothermal gradients decrease with increasing crustal age and lithospheric thickness.Geothermal gradients in the continents show no clear relationships with thermotectonic crustal age,but decrease with increasing crustal and lithospheric thicknesses.Gradients drop significantly at 1.5 km sediment-cover thickness,likely reflecting the effect of high sedimentation rates,but show a striking rise at>12 km thicknesses,potentially influenced by thinned lithosphere and thermal blanketing effects.The commonly-assumed‘normal’gradient of 25℃/km for continents is only valid for a narrow range(1.5–12.5 km)of sedimentary cover-thickness,and oceanic‘normal’gradient may be as high as 50–75℃/km for>20 Ma crustal age and>50 km-thick lithosphere.We show that,conditionally,crustal age may best predict average geothermal gradients in oceanic settings,and lithosphere thickness in continents.Further,we observe that tectonic basin types exhibit distinct ranges of gradients that reflect their prevalent tectonic and geodynamic origins.Despite the complexities of determining shallow-crustal thermal conductivities,the results provide insights that fingerprint distinct tectonic settings based on the broad distribution of their geothermal gradients.

Simultaneous Modelling of Gravity and Magnetic Data in a Measured Heat Flux Area to Characterize Geothermal Heat Sources: A Case for Eburru Geothermal Complex, Kenya

Forward modelling of gravity and magnetic data was done simultaneously to show the correlation between gravity and magnetic anomalies on a measured heat flux region. The results were used to characterize the heat source structures in Eburru area. Modelling was done using Oasis montaj geosoft software which is an iteration process where the gravity and magnetic anomalies were calculated and compared to the observed residual anomaly until there was a fit. The start model was constructed based on depths from Euler deconvolution and models constrained using stratigraphy data from the existing wells in the study area. Forward modelling of gravity and magnetic data revealed intrusions within the Earth’s subsurface with depth to the top of the sources ranging from 739 m to 5811 m. The density of the sources ranges between 3.0 g/cm3 and 3.2 g/cm3 while their magnetic susceptibility was zero. This implies that intrusions from the mantle with a magnetic susceptibility of zero have temperatures exceeding the curie temperature of rocks. The density of the intrusions modelled was higher than 2.67 g/cm3, the average crustal density, hence it explains the observed positive gravity anomaly. The results also revealed that areas with high heat flux have shallow heat sources and if the heat sources are deep, then there must be a good heat transfer mechanism to the surface.

Oilfield geothermal resources of the Upper Assam Petroliferous Basin,NE India

Extracting geothermal energy from the oil-producing fields is an experimental venture globally.The exploitation and utilization of geothermal energy can partly reduce the larger dependence on conventional non-renewable energy sources like oil,gas,coal,and other fossil fuels,and has a bright prospect.The Upper Assam Basin is a mature petroliferous basin of NE India,where there are several hundred low production,high water cut,or abandoned oil and gas wells that can be retrofitted as geothermal wells instead of drilling new ones.This will help bridge the gap of growing energy demand and limited supply in energy-deficient state like Assam.Situated away from the active plate boundaries and in lack of active volcanism,the Upper Assam Basin remains a low-to-medium enthalpy geothermal fluid regime.The deeper reservoir in this regard can,therefore,be the best candidate for the introspection of the potential geothermal energy reservoir reconnaissance.The selection of a deeper horizon considered in the present case has been the stratified reservoirs of the Lakadong-Therria(Lk-Th)Formation,Sylhet Group of the Lower Eocene age occurring at a variable depth of 3400 me 4600 m.The Lk-Th Formation possesses a fair-quality reservoir with lateral continuity and favourable petrophysical properties.In this study,representative gamma-ray(GR)and resistivity(R)logs were examined to work out lithology,and bed boundary demarcation,etc.The total Formation thickness varies from 97 to 157 m;the individual sand body thickness is up to 6 m.Other reservoir parameters,e.g.,porosity(φ=8-33%),water saturation(S_(w)=4.57-95.15%),geothermal gradient(2.71℃/100m to 3.92 C/100 m at 4300 m and 3608 m)respectively,and theoretical estimate of high heat flux in the range 70e100 mW/m^(2)/s,are the necessary yard-stick to measure the subsurface geothermal reserves.Efficient energy extraction will have the potential in facilitating energy utilization for industrial purposes,especially in tea processing units present nearby oilfields and also for power generation by the binary mechanism.

Study of the Geothermal Potential of the Locality of Kaladi and Its Surroundings (Adamawa-Cameroon) from the Frequency Processing of Magnetic Data

The aim of this study is to estimate the variations in curie point depth, geothermal gradient and heat flux from the frequency analysis of magnetic data in order to evaluate the geothermal potential of the Kaladi locality and its surroundings. For this purpose, the magnetic field map was first reduced to equator (RTE). The centroid method was used to divide the RTE grid into a set of 40 blocks. The spectral analysis applied to each block allowed determining the depth to top (Zt), center (Z0) and bottom (Zb also called curie point depth or CPD) of the magnetic sources. Knowing the different CPD, the geothermal gradient associated with each block was calculated. The heat flow was then calculated from the geothermal gradient associated with the anomaly block considered. From the set of values obtained for each block, maps of geothermal gradient and heat flow variations were established. Analysis of these maps shows that the sectors that could be favourable for geothermal exploration are the north of Kaladi and the Goro-Bembara corridor, because they show variations in the geothermal gradient and heat flow between 0.4 and 0.8℃/m and between 1.2 and 2 mW/m2 respectively. In addition, the superposition of the different hot springs highlighted in previous studies with areas of high geothermal gradient and heat flow values supports this analysis. The proposed models can be used as background documents for any geothermal exploration project in the study area.

Investigation Method and Utilization Mode of Geothermal Resources in Abandoned Mines in Huainan and Huaibei

With the depletion of coal resources due to excessive exploitation and the increasing adjustment of the national energy structure, in response to the call of national policy, some mines are forced to close, and the reuse of abandoned mine resources plays an important role in the sustainable development of mining industry. This paper analyzes the general situation of abandoned mines in Huainan and Huaibei, elaborates the research methods of geothermal temperature and calculation methods of geothermal reserves in abandoned mines, analyzes and studies the utilization prospect of geothermal resources in abandoned mines in Huainan and Huaibei, and draws the following conclusions: the temperature of geothermal resources in abandoned mines in Huainan and Huaibei is 25℃- 60℃, which belongs to the moderate-hot water and warm water resources in low-temperature geothermal resources, and can be used for geothermal heating, industrial geothermal and entertainment industries. Based on the previous experience in geothermal resource utilization mode, this paper provides theoretical and technical support for the demonstration project of resource utilization and development of abandoned mines in the Huainan and Huaibei mining areas.

A Preliminary Study of the Gas Hydrate Stability Zone in the South China Sea

Based on the analysis of sea-bottom temperature and geothermal gradient, andby means of the phase boundary curve of gas hydrate and the sea-bottom temperature versus waterdepth curve in the South China Sea, this paper studies the temperature and pressure conditions forgas hydrate to keep stable. In a marine environment, methane hydrate keeps stable at water depthsgreater than 550 min the South China Sea. Further, the thickness of the gas hydrate stability zonein the South China Sea was calculated by using the phase boundary curve and temperature-depthequations. The result shows that gas hydrate have a better perspective in the southeast of theDongsha Islands. the northeast of the Xisha Islands and the north of the Nansha Islands for thickerstability zones.

Differential Thermal Regimes of the Tarim and Sichuan Basins in China:Implications for Hydrocarbon Generation and Conservation

The uncertainty surrounding the thermal regimes of the ultra-deep strata in the Tarim and Sichuan basins,China,is unfavorable for further hydrocarbon exploration.This study summarizes and contrasts the present-day and paleo heat flow,geothermal gradient and deep formation temperatures of the Tarim and Sichuan basins.The average heat flow of the Tarim and Sichuan basins are 42.5±7.6 mW/m^(2)and 53.8±7.6 mW/m^(2),respectively,reflecting the characteristics of’cold’and’warm’basins.The geothermal gradient with unified depths of 0-5,000 m,0-6,000 m and 0-7,000 m in the Tarim Basin are 21.6±2.9℃/km,20.5±2.8℃/km and 19.6±2.8℃/km,respectively,while the geothermal gradient with unified depths of 0-5,000 m,0-6,000 m and 0-7,000 m in the Sichuan Basin are 21.9±2.3℃/km,22.1±2.5℃/km and23.3±2.4℃/km respectively.The differential change of the geothermal gradient between the Tarim and Sichuan basins with depth probably results from the rock thermal conductivity and heat production rate.The formation temperatures at depths of 6,000 m,7,000 m,8,000 m,9,000 m and 10,000 m in the Tarim Basin are 80℃-190℃,90℃-220℃,100℃-230℃,110℃-240℃and 120℃-250℃,respectively,while the formation temperatures at depths of 6,000 m,7,000 m,8,000 m and 9,000 m in the Sichuan Basin are 120℃-200℃,140℃-210℃,160℃-260℃and 180℃-280℃,respectively.The horizontal distribution pattern of the ultra-deep formation temperatures in the Tarim and Sichuan basins is mainly affected by the basement relief,fault activity and hydrothermal upwelling.The thermal modeling revealed that the paleo-heat flow in the interior of the Tarim Basin decreased since the early Cambrian with an early Permian abrupt peak,while that in the Sichuan Basin experienced three stages of steady state from Cambrian to early Permian,rapidly rising at the end of the early Permian and declining since the late Permian.The thermal regime of the Sichuan Basin was always higher than that of the Tarim Basin,which results in differential oil and gas generation and conservation in the ultra-deep ancient strata.This study not only promotes theoretical development in the exploration of ultra-deep geothermal fields,but also plays an important role in determining the maturation phase of the ultra-deep source rocks and the occurrence state of hydrocarbons in the Tarim and Sichuan basins.

Preliminary Statistics of Temperatures and Pressures for Formation of Eclogites,Granulites and Peridotites in China

The rock forming temperatures and pressures represent the p T points of the local regions in the lithosphere at a certain age, providing some important information on rock formation. Based on the preliminary statistics on the temperatures and pressures for the formation of eclogites, granulites and peridotites in China, the variant ranges are given, in this paper, of temperatures, pressures and linear geothermal gradients of eclogites, granulites and peridotites. In addition, since the eclogite is different from granulite and peridotite in the p T diagram, these three rocks can be classified into two groups: the first group includes eclogites and the second group granulites and peridotites. Then, the p T correlation functions of these two groups of rocks are provided. Finally, the two groups of rocks have different geothermal gradients at the same pressure gradient or have different pressure gradients at the same geothermal gradient. The temperatures and pressures for the formation of the rocks can be calculated from the mineral chemical compositions, but the depths ( H ) for the rock formation can be calculated only under the hypotheses of given p H (or T H ) correlation functions. The explanations for the ultrahigh pressure metamorphism vary obviously with different hypotheses.

Simulation of heat transfer performance using middle-deep coaxial borehole heat exchangers by FEFLOW

Due to its large heat transfer area and stable thermal performance,the middledeep coaxial borehole heat exchanger(CBHE)has become one of the emerging technologies to extract geothermal energy.In this paper,a numerical modeling on a three-dimensional unsteady heat transfer model of a CBHE was conducted by using software FEFLOW,in which the model simulation was compared with the other studies and was validated with experimental data.On this basis,a further simulation was done in respect of assessing the influencing factors of thermal extraction performance and thermal influence radius of the CBHE.The results show that the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger decreases rapidly at the initial stage,and then tended to be stable;and the thermal influence radius increases with the increase of borehole depth.The heat extraction rate of the borehole increases linearly with the geothermal gradient.Rock heat capacity has limited impact on the heat extraction rate,but has a great influence on the thermal influence radius of the CBHE.When there is groundwater flow in the reservoir,the increase of groundwater velocity will result in the rise of both outlet temperature and heat extraction rate.The heat affected zone extends along with the groundwater flow direction;and its influence radius is increasing along with flow velocity.In addition,the material of the inner pipe has a significant effect on the heat loss in the pipe,so it is recommended that the material with low thermal conductivity should be used if possible.

Geologic field evidence for non-lithostatic overpressure recorded in the North American Cordillera hinterland,northeast Nevada

There is a long-standing discrepancy for numerous North American Cordillera metamorphic core complexes between geobarometric pressures recorded in the exhumed rocks and their apparent burial depths based on palinspastic reconstructions from geologic field data.In particular,metamorphic core complexes in eastern Nevada are comprised of well-documented~12-15 km thick Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic stratigraphy of Laurentia’s western passive margin,which allows for critical characterization of field relationships.In this contribution we focus on the Ruby Mountain-East Humboldt Range-Wood Hills-Pequop Mountains(REWP)metamorphic core complex of northeast Nevada to explore reported peak pressure estimates versus geologic field relationships that appear to prohibit deep burial.Relatively high pressure estimates of 6-8 kbar(23-30 km depth,if lithostatic)from the lower section of the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic passive margin sequence require burial and or repetition of the passive margin sequence by 2-3×stratigraphic depths.Our observations from the least migmatized and/or mylonitized parts of this complex,including field observations,a transect of peak-temperature(T_(p))estimates,and critical evaluation of proposed thickening/burial mechanisms cannot account for such deep burial.From Neoproterozoic-Cambrian(€)rocks part of a continuous stratigraphic section that transitions~8 km upsection to unmetamorphosed Permian strata that were not buried,we obtained new quartz-in-garnet barometry via Raman analysis that suggest pressures of~7 kbar(~26 km).A T_(p)traverse starting at the same basal€rocks reveals a smooth but hot geothermal gradient of≥40℃/km that is inconsistent with deep burial.This observation is clearly at odds with thermal gradients implied by high P-T estimates that are all≤25℃/km.Remarkably similar discrepancies between pressure estimates and field observations have been discussed for the northern Snake Range metamorphic core complex,~200 km to the southeast.We argue that a possible reconciliation of longestablished field observations versus pressures estimated from a variety of barometry techniques is that the rocks experienced non-lithostatic tectonic overpressure.We illustrate how proposed mechanisms to structurally bury the rocks,as have been invoked to justify published high pressure estimates,are entirely atypical of the Cordillera hinterland and unlike structures interpreted from other analogous orogenic plateau hinterlands.Proposed overpressure mechanisms are relevant in the REWP,including impacts from deviatoric/differential stress considerations,tectonic mode switching,and the autoclave effect driven by dehydration melting.Simple mechanical arguments demonstrate how this overpressure could have been achieved.This study highlights that detailed field and structural restorations of the least strained rocks in an orogen are critical to evaluate the tectonic history of more deformed rocks.

Heat flow measurements on the Lomonosov Ridge, Arctic Ocean

Heat flow was measured on the Lomonosov Ridge during the 5th Chinese National Arctic Expedition in 2012. To derive the time-temperature curve, resistivity data were transformed to temperature by the resistivity- temperature program. Direct reading and linear regression methods were used to calculate the equilibrium temperature, which were regressed against the depth of the probes in sediment to derive the geothermal gradient. Then, heat flow was calculated as the product of geothermal gradient and thermal conductivity of sediments. The heat flow values on the basis of the two methods were similar （i.e., 67.27 mW/m2 and 63.99 mW/m2, respectively）. The results are consistent with the measurements carried out at adjacent sites. The age of the Lomonosov Ridge predicted by the heat flow-age model was 62 Ma, which is in accordance with the inference that the ridge was separated from Eurasia at about 60 Ma.

Research on the Distribution Law and Influencing Factors of Ground Temperature in Xutuan Coal Mine

Taking the Xutuan coal mine as an example, based on the temperature measurement data, combined with the geological background of the study area, this paper analyzes the distribution, thermal evolution, formation mechanism and influencing factors of the deep geothermal field in the study area. Combined with previous research results and field temperature measurement data, the research results show that the temperature gradient of Xutuan coal mine varies in the range of 2.65°C/hm - 3.15°C/hm, most of which are 1.6°C/hm - 3.0°C/hm, which belongs to the normal area with relatively stable geothermal gradient. The northern part of the study area is more developed than the southern part. The minimum geothermal gradient is 2.65°C/hm, and the geothermal gradient gradually increases from north to south;the geothermal gradient is negatively correlated with the buried depth within a certain depth range. Roughly taking the depth of 200 - 350 m as the dividing line, the temperature increases with the increase of depth, showing a good linear trend and the characteristics of conductive heating. The main influencing factor of the geothermal field in the study area is the geological structure, which is greatly affected by the fault structure. Followed by lithological changes and groundwater activities, the flow of the four waters has a certain control effect on the shallow geothermal field distribution.

Investigation of geothermal structure of the Sulawesi,using gravity and magnetic method

The Sulawesi Sea and Sulawesi Island are located in the western Pacific area where volcanic activity,plate subduction,and seismic activity are very active.The Sulawesi basin formed during the Middle Eocene-Late Eocene and nearly half of the Eocene oceanic crust has subducted below the North Sulawesi Trench.The Sulawesi Island was spliced and finalized in the Early Pliocene-Pleistocene during volcanic activity and is recently very active.This area is an optimal location to study volcanic geothermal conditions and subduction initiation mechanisms in the southern part of the western Pacific plate margin,which are important in geothermal and geodynamic research.In this study,we combined 133 heat flow data with gravity and magnetic data to calculate the Moho structure and Curie point depth of the Sulawesi Sea and periphery of the Sulawesi Island,and analyze the distribution characteristics of the geothermal gradient and thermal conductivity.The results show that the average depths of the Moho and Curie surfaces in this area are 18.4 and 14.3 km,respectively,which is consistent with the crustal velocity layer structure in the Sulawesi Basin previously determined by seismic refraction.The average geothermal gradient is 4.96°C(100 m)-1.The oceanic area shows a high geothermal gradient and low thermal conductivity,whereas the land area shows a low geothermal gradient and high thermal conductivity,both of which are consistent with statistical results of the geothermal gradient at the measured heat flow points.The highest geothermal gradient zone occurs in the transition zone from the Sulawesi Sea to Sulawesi Island,corresponding to the spreading ridge of the southward-moving Sulawesi Basin.Comprehensive gravity,magnetic,and geothermal studies have shown a high crustal geothermal gradient in the study area,which is conducive to the subduction initiation.The northern part of the Palu-koro fault on the western side of Sulawesi is likely the location where subduction initiation is occurring.During the process of moving northwest,the northern and eastern branches of Sulawesi Island have different speeds;the former is slow and the latter is fast.These branches also show different deep tectonic dynamic directions;the northern branch tilts north-up and the eastern branch tilts north-down.

Metamorphic evolution of the East Tethys tectonic domain and its tectonic implications

The China Central Orogenic System(CCOS),extending in an east-west direction in the middle part of China,is composed of the Early Paleozoic Altyn-North Qilian-North Qaidam-East Kunlun-North Qinling-North Tongbai orogens in the west and the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic South Tongbai-Hong'an-Dabie-Sulu orogens in the east.They were produced by oceanic subduction and continental subduction/collision during the closure of the Proto-Tethys and the Paleo-Tethys oceans,respectively.Different types of metamorphic rocks with various ages are extensively exposed in these orogens,and they were produced at different geothermal gradients in different stages during the tectonic evolution of convergent continental margins,making them ideal targets to reconstruct the spatiotemporal evolution of the Eastern Tethys tectonic domain.In this article,an integrated study of metamorphic temperature(T)-pressure(P)-time(t)records is presented for metamorphic rocks along the CCOS,aiming to ascertain the change of metamorphic T/P ratios in both time and space,and then shed light on the tectonic evolution of the East Tethys tectonic domain in association with the thermal state change of convergent continental margins.The results indicate that despite the difference in metamorphic ages,metamorphic rocks in different orogens show a common trend with clockwise P-T-t paths.With respect to plate convergence for subduction and collision,regional metamorphism is categorized into three stages:(1)an early convergent stage,corresponding to low T/P Alpine-type blueschist-to eclogite-facies high-P to ultrahigh-P metamorphism;(2)a later convergent stage,corresponding to the medium T/P Barrovian-type medium-P amphibolite to high-P granulite-facies metamorphism;and(3)a post-convergent stage,corresponding to the high T/P Buchan-type lowP amphibolite to MP granulite-facies metamorphism.Nonetheless,a few metamorphic rocks only record a two-sage metamorphic evolution,with an early Barrovian-type high-P granulite-facies metamorphism and a late Buchan-type low-P granulitefacies metamorphic overprinting.In modern convergent plate margins,Alpine-type metamorphism mainly occurs in the stages of oceanic subduction and continental collision,Barrovian-type metamorphism takes pace in both stages of crustal thickening during continental hard collision and slab exhumation when continental subduction zones have evolved from compressional to extensional regimes,and Buchan-type metamorphism occurs in intracontinental rifting stage after the plate convergence.Therefore,the tectonic evolution of convergent continental margins can be reconstructed by combining metamorphic T/P ratios with their corresponding metamorphic facies series and metamorphic timing of metamorphic rocks.Based on the reported metamorphic rocks of different types and ages along the CCOS,it appears that the continental subduction/collision occurred at 500–490 Ma in the Altyn-North Qinling-North Tongbai orogens but 450–430 Ma in the North Qaidam-East Kunlun orogens,and the intracontinental rifting occurred at 460–450 Ma in the Altyn-North Qinling-North Tongbai orogens but 410–400 Ma in the North Qaidam-East Kunlun orogens,respectively,in the western Proto-Tethys domain.For the eastern Paleo-Tethys domain,in contrast,the continental subduction/collision occurred at 250–220 Ma and post-collisional intracontinental rifting occurred at 140–120 Ma.Furthermore,metamorphic evolution from low T/P ratios in the subduction/collision stage to high T/P ratios in the intracontinental rifting stage needs 40–60 Myr in the Proto-Tethys domain but about 110 Myr in the Paleo-Tethys domain.For the two different orogenic domains,therefore,the convergent continental margins underwent a common tectonic evolution from warm collision/cold subduction to hot rifting,which starts from continental subduction/collision characterized by the formation of medium-P amphibolite to high-P granulite facies series or high-P to ultrahigh-P eclogite facies series in compressional regimes,through exhumation of the deeply subducted crustal rocks,and terminates with intracontinental rifting featured by highT to ultrahigh-T granulite facies series in extensional regimes.

Thermal maturity and burial history modelling of shale is enhanced by use of Arrhenius time-temperature index and memetic optimizer

Thermal maturity indices and modelling based on Arrhenius-equation reaction kinetics have played an important role in oil and gas exploration and provided petroleum generation insight for many kerogenrich source rocks.Debate continues concerning how best to integrate the Arrhenius equation and which activation energies(E)and frequency factors(A)values to apply.A case is made for the strong theoretical basis and practical advantages of the time-temperature index(∑TTIARR)method,first published in 1998,using a single,carefully selected E-A set(E?218 kJ/mol(52.1 kcal/mol);A?5.45Et26/my)from the well-established A-E trend for published kerogen kinetics.An updated correlation between ∑TTIARR and vitrinite reflectance(Ro)is provided in which the P TTIARR scale spans some 18 orders of magnitude.The method is readily calculated in spreadsheets and can be further enhanced by visual basic for application code to provide optimization.Optimization is useful for identifying possible geothermal gradients and erosion intervals covering multiple burial intervals that can match calculated thermal maturities with measured Ro data.A memetic optimizer with firefly and dynamic local search memes is described that flexibly conducts exploration and exploitation of the feasible,multi-dimensional,thermal history solution space to find high-performing solutions to complex burial and thermal histories.A complex deep burial history example,with several periods of uplift and erosion and fluctuating heat flow is used to demonstrate what can be achieved with the memetic optimizer.By carefully layering in constraints to the models specific insights to episodes in their thermal history can be exposed,leading to better characterization of the timing of petroleum generation.The objective function found to be most effective for this type of optimization is the mean square error(MSE)of multiple burial intervals for the difference between calculated and measure Ro.The sensitively-scaled P TTIARR methodology,coupled with the memetic optimizer,is well suited for rapidly conducting basin-wide thermal maturity modelling involving multiple pseudo-wells to provide thermal maturity analysis at fine degrees of granularity.