Heat flow from four new research drill holes in the Western Cascades, Oregon, U.S.A.

Abstract

Conceptual models of the thermal structure of the Oregon Cascade Range propose either (1) a narrow zone of magmatic heat sources, flanked by shallow heat-flow anomalies caused by lateral ground-water flow; or (2) a wide zone of magmatic heat sources, with localized, generally negligible ground-water effects. The proposed narrow heat source coincides with the Quaternary volcanic arc, whereas the wider heat source would extend 10–30 km west of the arc. To test the models, four new heat-flow holes were sited west of the Quaternary arc but within the area of the proposed wide heat source. The sites are separated from the Quaternary arc by topographic divides and (or) major river valleys, so that heating by regional-scale ground-water flow seems unlikely. Measured heat flow (76±5 mW mm −2) was significantly lower than the values predicted by interpolation from an existing heat-flow contour map (95±7 mW m −2). The lower values are consistent with a narrow zone of magmatic heat sources. The complete heat-flow data set consists mostly of shallow (100–200 m) data and defines lobate highs around hot-spring groups in the Western Cascades. However, all of the deepest holes in the study area (44°–45°15′N) show hydrologic gradient disturbances extending to depths >200 m, so the shallow data must be extrapolated with caution.