geotemperaturgradient

Geotemperaturgradient, or geothermal temperature gradient, refers to the rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth’s subsurface. It is usually expressed in degrees Celsius per kilometer.

Near the Earth’s surface, geothermal gradients can be as low as 15–20 °C/km in continental regions, reflecting the influence of surface heat transport. In tectonically active settings such as mid-ocean ridges, gradients may exceed 70 °C/km, indicating strong internal heating.

The gradient influences rock stability, fluid circulation, and mineral deposition. In geothermal energy exploration, a steep gradient can signal a potential heat source for electricity generation, whereas a shallow gradient may suggest limited feasibility.

Measurement methods include downhole temperature logging of boreholes, where sensors record temperature at varying depths, and remote sensing techniques such as magnetotelluric or seismic tomography that infer thermal structure from conductivity and wave velocity. Laboratory experiments on rock cores provide additional constraints on thermal conductivity and heat production rates.

Geotemperaturgradient data contribute to models of continental heat flow, tectonic plate dynamics, and mantle convection. They also aid in assessing the long‑term sustainability of geothermal resources and predicting the depth to the transition zone or lithosphere‑asthenosphere boundary.

Understanding and accurately determining the geothermal gradient remains essential for both academic studies of Earth processes and practical applications such as drilling, mining, and renewable energy development.