Shape Optimization Methods Locating Layer Interfaces in Geothermal Reservoirs

Abstract

Subsurface structures have a strong influence on fluid flow and heat transport in geothermal systems. We examine whether the position and shape of an interface between two lithological bodies can be detected based on temperature-depth measurements. We use a level set function to describe the interface, and a shape optimization method in combination with the adjoint variable based on the heat transport equation to invert for position and shape. Specifically, we investigate how advective heat transport affects the identification of the interface and show that the method successfully retrieves interface positions in synthetic 2D cases of two-layer models.