geotermiline

Geotermiline is a term used in geology and geothermal research to describe a conceptual boundary or corridor on maps and cross-sections that marks elevated heat flow or higher subsurface temperatures relative to the surrounding crust. The term is not universally standardized and may appear in regional reports, academic papers, or software naming conventions to indicate zones of geothermal interest or thermal anomaly.

In practice, geotermiline lines are inferred from a combination of data sources, including surface heat-flow measurements, borehole temperature-depth profiles, and geophysical imaging. Techniques such as magnetotellurics, seismic tomography, gravity surveys, and geological mapping help delineate these zones when direct temperature data are sparse. The identified lines often align with tectonically active features, fault zones, or volcanic provinces where heat transfer from deeper sources is enhanced.

Applications of the geotermiline concept primarily relate to geothermal energy exploration, mineral prospecting, and hazard assessment. They can guide drilling decisions, resource assessment, and the monitoring of temperature-related changes in hydrothermal systems. Additionally, geotermiline lines can inform studies of crustal processes, such as fluid circulation, metamorphism, and the interaction between structural geology and heat flow.

Limitations include data density and methodological differences, which can yield varying delineations. Temperature and heat flow are inherently variable in space and depth, so geotermiline lines are best viewed as approximations that support broader geological and geothermal interpretations rather than precise boundaries.