Heat production rate of deep rocks in Bohai Bay Basin and its relationship with terrestrial heat flow

Zhao Ma; Chuanqing Zhu; Kefu Li; Chaohe Fang; Qian Cao

Unconventional Resources (Jan 2024)

Heat production rate of deep rocks in Bohai Bay Basin and its relationship with terrestrial heat flow

Zhao Ma,
Chuanqing Zhu,
Kefu Li,
Chaohe Fang,
Qian Cao

Affiliations

Zhao Ma: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China; College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Chuanqing Zhu: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China; College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China; Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Resources and Exploration, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China.
Kefu Li: National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China; College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Chaohe Fang: PetroChina Shenzhen New Energy Research Institute, Beijing, 518000, China
Qian Cao: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing, 100083, China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 4
p. 100072

Abstract

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The vertical distribution of rocks’ radioactive heat production rate in the continental crust is the basis for exploring the deep thermal structure and explaining terrestrial heat flow distribution characteristics. In this paper, taking the Bohai Bay Basin as an example, according to the content of U, Th and K in the rocks and the lithologic composition of each structural layer of the crust, calculating the range of radioactive heat-generating elements in each structural layer. Then, systematically analyze the distribution characteristics of heat production rate in the crust. Finally, establish the vertical distribution model of heat production rate and discuss the relationship between heat flow and heat production rate. The results show that the rock heat production rate is mainly related to lithology. U and Th are primarily enriched in the upper crust with exponential distribution, while K content is unchanged. Under exponential crustal heat production rate distribution, the DU, DTh and DA in the crust are 15.195 km, 15.29 km and 21.11 km, respectively. A linear relationship exists between heat flow and heat production rate but cannot infer the thermal condition of the middle and lower crust.

Published in Unconventional Resources

ISSN: 2666-5190 (Online)
Publisher: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Country of publisher: China
LCC subjects: Technology: Mechanical engineering and machinery: Energy conservation; Technology: Mechanical engineering and machinery: Renewable energy sources
Website: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/unconventional-resources/

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