In the long-term, this project aims to investigate the geothermal heat flow within a granite body of Eichigt-Schönbrunn using gravity and magnetic modeling techniques. The Eichigt−Schönbrunn granite massif is located in the Erzgebirge−Vogtland metallogenic province of Germany.

The study focuses on understanding the heat transfer processes within the granite and their implications for geothermal energy exploration and utilization. By integrating gravity and magnetic data (first phase until 11/2024) this project seeks to provide valuable insights into the subsurface temperature distribution and the potential for geothermal resource assessment (planned second phase).

Objectives

• Quantify the geothermal heat flow within the Eichigt−Schönbrunn granite body.
• Investigate the relationship between gravity and magnetic anomalies and the subsurface temperature distribution.
• Assess the potential for geothermal energy extraction from the granite reservoir.
• Identify areas of high heat flow or temperature anomalies within the granite body

Methodology

• Data Acquisition: Acquire high-resolution gravity (and magnetic?) data over the study area covering the Eichigt−Schönbrunn granite body.
• Data Processing: Process and interpret the acquired gravity and magnetic data to extract anomaly patterns. This involves applying appropriate corrections, filtering techniques, and data inversion algorithms to obtain the subsurface density and magnetization distributions.
• Heat Flow Modeling: Utilize the interpreted gravity and magnetic data, in conjunction with available geological and thermal property information, to develop a numerical heat flow model of the granite body. Implement appropriate heat transfer equations and boundary conditions to simulate the temperature distribution within the granite.
• Calibration and Validation: Validate the heat flow model by comparing the simulated temperature distribution with available temperature measurements or other independent data sources. Calibrate the model parameters to ensure consistency with observed data and improve the accuracy of the results.
• Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze the results to identify areas of high heat flow, thermal anomalies, or potential geothermal reservoirs within the granite body. Investigate the correlation between gravity/magnetic anomalies and the subsurface temperature distribution to understand the geothermal system's characteristics.

Potential Impact

This project's outcomes will contribute to a better understanding of geothermal systems associated with granitic bodies. The results can guide decision-making processes in geothermal energy exploration and help identify areas with significant geothermal potential. Furthermore, the integration of gravity and magnetic modeling techniques with geothermal heat flow modeling can enhance subsurface characterization and reduce exploration risks for geothermal projects in similar geological settings.