In this presentation we explore the effects of intrinsic uncertainties in large-scale
properties of continental lithosphere on thermal regime in sedimentary basins.
Specifically, we quantify the effect of steady state and transient processes
connected to basement heat flow and its consequences for geothermal energy.
In many basins calibration date are available such as BHT (Bottom Hole Temperature)
data or surface heat flow measurements. Lithosphere scale modeling shows that
inversion of geotherms and their thermal characteristics, including heat flow and
conductivity, does not convey a unique solution, resulting in a considerable
uncertainty range for geothermal energy purposes. This is even the case if basin
calibration data are available such as BHTdata or surface heat flow measurements.
Therefore, a strong need exists to better constrain uncertainties in lithospheric
thermal evolution through an independent comparison with different data sets on, for
example, both lithospheric and basin structures. This approach is illustrated for a
number of case studies of European basins.

BRGM
3, avenue Claude-Guillemin
45060 Orléans cedex 02
France