An analytical model for the geotherm in the Basilicata oil fields area (southern Italy)

Abstract

A geothermal model for the area of the Basilicata oil fields has been obtained by an analytical procedure. The model takes into account both the temperature variation due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting and frictional heating. Input parameters include heat flow density data and a series of geologically derived constraints – thrust depth, timing of thrusting, slip rate – obtained by the integration of surface and subsurface datasets. For the top 5 km of the crust, the resulting geothermal curve shows a remarkably good fit with temperatures recorded from deep oil wells.The new geotherm provides a fundamental constraint for rheological and stress accumulation modelling in the seismically active study area. Furthermore, the analytical solution provided in this study may be used as a basis to calculate the relevant geotherm for further areas and/or tectonic settings.