From structural data to 3D thermal model: an example from the northern North Sea

Abstract

A 3D conductive thermal modelling has been performed in the framework of the Crustal Onshore-Offshore Project (COOP project). This has been done in order to understand the regional thermal pattern beneath the northern North Sea and adjacent areas of the Norwegian mainland. The lithosphere-scale 3D model has been used as a realistic approximation of the geometries of the sedimentary infill as well as of the underlying crystalline crust and lithospheric mantle during the 3D thermal modelling. Construction of the 3D model has been done by use of recently published/released structural data and the model has been validated by a 3D density modelling which has been carried out by use of the software IGMAS (the Interactive Gravity and Magnetic Application System). The 3D thermal modelling has been performed by using commercial software package COMSOL Multiphysics. Results of thermal modelling within the upper part of the 3D model indicate that the mainland is generally colder than the basin areas. This regional trend of temperature is mostly related to the low thermal conductivity of sediments which increases heat storage within the areas covered by thick sedimentary cover.