Estimates of geothermal gradients and heat flow from BSRs along the Western Continental Margin of India

Abstract

Geothermal gradients and heat flow were estimated from the position of Bottom Simulating Reflectors (BSRs) identified on seismic reflection sections from the Western Continental Margin of India (WCMI). The estimated geothermal gradients along the WCMI range between 35 to 65 °C/km and heat flow varies from 50 to 130 mW/m². The geothermal gradient structure of WCMI inferred from the BSRs, shows a landward decrease in heat flow coupled with a high heat flow zone in the north and relatively low heat flow zone at the southern end. A decrease of sediment thickness proximal to the ocean/continent boundary could explain these high heat flow distribution trends west of the Laccadive ridge. The Bombay‐Saurashtra offshore region emerges as a zone of high heat flow and its proximity to the Deccan volcanic activity at 65 Ma needs further study.